Motivational speakers, with their powerful words and compelling stories, have the unique ability to ignite passion, inspire action, and transform lives. Their influence extends far beyond the confines of their stage, reaching millions worldwide. In an increasingly interconnected world, motivational speakers play a crucial role in shaping global perspectives, fostering personal growth, and driving positive change.
John Kippen is a renowned Motivational Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Published Author, and Professional Magician. His twenty plus year journey of recovery from the trauma of facial paralysis, following an Acoustic Neuroma brain tumor removal, has empowered him to overcome adversity. Drawing upon the lessons and stories from his personal experience, John inspires audiences in his speaking engagements and magic performances.
Inspiring Millions
John Kippen’s TED Talk has inspired over a million people. Once on stage in front of a 800-person audience, John’s powerful message resonated deeply, motivating others to stop hiding from life and embrace their true potential. The standing ovation and heartfelt thanks he received confirmed his life’s mission to empower others.
John is preparing the release of his book, “Playing the Hand That You Are Dealt.” in December of 2024. It is a motivational memoir that emphasises the extraordinary potential within each individual. The book’s forward is written by his close friend Jamie Lee Curtis. The book is full of fun stories combined with messages of hope and inspiration. He believes that by conquering the fear of the unknown, we can live our best lives. This message aligns with his leadership philosophy of empowering others to reach their full potential.
Drawing from his own experiences, John Kippen advises individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in their personal or professional lives to focus on helping others. He believes that through acts of service, people can uncover their unique strengths and passions. He encourages shifting from a mindset of self-pity to one centred on giving back, emphasising that it is our response to challenges that makes us memorable and loved. One of John’s favorite mantras is “Feed your Heart with your Art.”
A Face of Courage
John Kippen’s journey from a brain surgery survivor to a motivational speaker is truly inspiring. For more than 12 years, John lived in the shadows after his face became paralyzed. He retreated to his home, focusing on his IT support company. When he did venture out, it was with a select group of friends who understood the reason behind his facial paralysis. He avoided posing for photographs with friends, believing that his appearance would ruin the picture for everyone involved. Turning to semi-professional poker at a local casino, John found solace in a game where his appearance didn’t matter. The other gamblers were solely focused on winning his money.
From Paralysis to Power
Rediscovering a childhood hobby, John began performing magic. With practice, he honed his skills to a level where his talent overshadowed his facial appearance. The positive reactions from audiences gradually helped him rebuild his self-confidence.
John Kippen’s brand, “Being Different is Your Superpower,” embodies a powerful message. When his performances became more frequent, audiences began to overlook his physical appearance. His storytelling abilities, woven into his magic acts, allowed them to see beyond his face and connect with the real John Kippen. Performing four to five nights a week to diverse audiences, John received honest feedback and compliments that gradually rebuilt his self confidence
When performing for women, John noticed a shift in their initial reactions. As he shared his personal experiences and emotions through his magic, they tended to open up. Eventually, after his shows, women would forget about his appearance and express their affection by asking for hugs. John realised he was empowering them to be vulnerable and feminine again. By sharing his authentic self through his art, he discovered that magic was indeed his superpower.
Story of Triumph
As a life and success coach, John Kippen has supported numerous individuals through challenging personal and professional transitions. His performances for individuals facing medical challenges have inspired hope, showing them that they too can overcome adversity. One notable example was the great Alex Trebek who John performed for on Alex’s 75th birthday
Despite facing stiff competition as a keynote speaker, John found his niche as a life and success coach, where he could transform lives one by one. He believes that effective coaching requires exceptional listening skills and the ability to ask thought-provoking questions without judgement. John firmly believes that individuals hold the answers to their own problems within themselves. As a coach, his role is to guide them toward discovering those answers by challenging their limiting beliefs.
Overcoming Obstacles
John Kippen has experienced and overcome both physical and emotional obstacles, such as facial paralysis and single sided deafness after brain surgery. For over 12 years, John avoided cameras and mirrors as he hated the way he looked. At a magic convention in 2017, he mustered the courage to ask for photos with some of his magic idols. The positive reactions from these renowned magicians helped him realise that his worth was not defined by his appearance but by his character and heart. This turning point led him to understand that inner beauty is far more important than outward appearance.
Beyond The Coach
Many people struggle with embracing their differences. By sharing his own journey and actively listening to his clients’ needs, John inspires them to open up and appreciate their unique qualities. He encourages them to be authentic and embrace their individuality, celebrating their differences rather than hiding from them.
In his career as a motivational speaker and coach, John has reached thousands of individuals. The heartfelt gratitude and hugs he receives from those he has inspired reaffirm John’s sense of self-worth. By living his authentic life on his own terms, he provides a roadmap for others to do the same.
Happiness as a Choice
John Kippen guides his clients toward choosing happiness, even when they face significant adversity, by encouraging them to shift their mindset from a victim mentality to one of empowerment. He believes that a person’s response to adversity is a reflection of their inner strength and character, and this is what makes them memorable. Reflecting on his journey, John considers his greatest professional achievement to be the hundreds, if not thousands, of lives he has touched by simply being his authentic self. This experience has shaped his leadership style to be genuine, inspiring, and empowering.
Inspiring Teens to Find Their Passion
John doesn’t just entertain audiences with his humor and magical skills; he inspires them, particularly teens, to discover their passions and embrace their unique qualities. His talks encourage out-of-the-box thinking and compassion, leaving teens feeling inspired and empowered. His personal journey of overcoming facial paralysis after a brain tumor surgery serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit. He demonstrates how his passion for magic helped him regain self-confidence and inspire others to do the same. His talks are both funny and authentic, and as he incorporates original magic illusions to help illustrate his key points, he leaves audiences of all ages amazed and inspired.
Drawing from his own experiences as a bullied teen, John Kippen offers valuable insights into how teens can navigate challenges and build positive relationships. He also provides practical advice for parents struggling to connect with their teens, suggesting strategies for improved communication and family dynamics.
John’s message resonates deeply with educators. He shares how special teachers made a significant impact on his life, inspiring him to become a creative problem solver. His talks remind educators of the importance of connecting with students and providing guidance, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and practical tools for their classrooms.
Future Goals
Having faced many personal challenges, John Kippen hopes to leave a legacy through his work as a motivational speaker, coach and author by changing people’s perspectives, one interaction at a time. He draws inspiration from empowering others, which fuels his drive to continue. He remains motivated in his personal and professional growth through this commitment to uplifting those around him. His work has become a mission and a way of life. It’s not a choice but a calling.
Looking ahead, John Kippen aims to expand his coaching practice and public speaking career, with plans to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those he works with. He hopes that his upcoming book will reach a wider audience and allow him to extend his life’s work on a global scale. One of the core messages in his book is “If John can, so can you.”
To know more about John, visit the website https://johnkippen.com
