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Upcoming Seminars

08/31/10 - Fayette, Missouri
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09/01/10 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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09/02/10 - Sun Valley, Idaho
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09/09/10 - Santa Rosa, Florida
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Testimonials PDF Print E-mail
Please select the Testimonial Section you are interested in below:
Professional Services Associations
Health Care Educational Institutions
Faith



Professional Services

John O’Leary is as gutsy a person as I know.”
- Jack Buck - Hall of Fame broadcaster

"I have been so blown away by John that I have utilized his profound message and delivery style over a dozen times - and have suggested him numerous times for other companies around the world. His message is simply that powerful."
- Rusty Keeley, President ADB

“John's message of hope and personal growth was the highlight of our meeting. Many in our group who had been exposed to nationally recognized speakers told me that John's presentation was the best that they had ever seen. Thanks to John, we left our meetings feeling energized, optimistic and ready to accept the present and transform the future.”
- Paul Sly, VP Charter Communications

“Your story of overcoming incredible odds to achieve success is truly inspiring. We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to share it with us. It is impossible to hear what you went through and not be changed by it.”
- Allen Hauge, Group Chair for Vistage

“I can't express how moved I was by your speech for CitiMortgage. Thank you for Rising Above and for sharing your story with us.”
- Dawn Roberts, CitiMortgage

“As anticipated your presentation was absolutely fantastic. It made a dramatic impact on my team.”
- Greg Twardowski, President Whelan Security

“What a great job you did last night! The company is still buzzing about you and your presentation. Thanks for being such an inspiration to so many!”
- Kevin Klingler, BioMedical Systems

“Your talk was extremely well done and very moving - it was right on the mark.”
- Ray Wiesehan, Ameren

“Everyone really enjoyed what you had to say and were moved emotionally. You are an inspiration and thank you for all that you do each day to continue to inspire others.”
- Kara Dreste, A.G. Edwards

“You were AWESOME!!! I am still hearing positive feedback of what a tremendous presentation you gave our organization. You truly are a powerful, articulate, and moving speaker with a strong presence and purpose.”
- Kristie Hempstead, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

“You hit a homerun with your message at our annual meeting. You appealed and inspired an eclectic group of men ranging in age from 28 to 68. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as you shared your story and inspired us all with your determination and positive attitude. I absolutely loved how you tailored your message to the needs of your audience. It was impossible for anyone in the room not to enthusiastically tackle the setting of goals and charting our own path action plans that immediately followed your inspiring and completely motivational message.”
- Dick James, L. Keeley Construction

“Your presentation was amazing. I mean AMAZING. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see it. It really touched me and is definitely an experience I will never forget.”
- Amy Jentes, NSI

“I just keep on thinking about you, your amazing story, and your wonderful life. I was trying to figure out what to write to you to thank you, and I kept on coming up with just that...Thank You!”
- Jenica DelRose, Hoopis Financial Team of the NMFN

“I feel so enlightened to hear how you have taken a tragic event from your own life and used it to make you a person that cares for his fellow humans and takes actions to help them.”
- Greg Downey, Downey & Co., P.C

“This is the best speaker I have ever heard. I have heard many, many people speak over a variety of topics and feel John has taken the cake. John has touched my life.”
- Jaron Wedding, Creve Coeur Endodontics

“You have a powerful message that needs to be shared!”
- Bob Butler, President/CEO; Butler Learning Systems

“I just wanted to say another thank you for your presentation at the BAM Conference. We continue to hear great feedback. Your story is heroic and your attitude is meteoric. We all have much to learn from your example, so thank you. I now have the concept of my "Why" firmly implanted on my brain.” - Mont Levy, BAM

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us today. I am confident that because of your insights our company is making changes that will make us more successful both personally and professionally.”
- John Jackson - RE/MAX

“This was something I will never forget. I thought you were marvelous and inspirational.”
- Craig Beggs, KPMG

“WOW !! Thank you for sharing with and inspiring me. A wonderful example of how to do it right.”
- Rick Weber, Shannahan Crane & Hoist

“I spoke of you to everyone I've dealt with since Friday. Even on my Saturday 7AM run I was telling friends about the inspirational speaker we had at Cargill.”
- Keith Tvedten, Cargill

“I so enjoyed the message that you had to bring to all of us. I have taped one of your quotes on my mirror as a credo to start each and every day.”
- Janet Urban, NMFN San Diego

“You truly are an inspiration and I wish you nothing but continued success in your family life and in your business. Thank you again.”
- Brian J. Holmes, Country Insurance and Financial Services

“Your smile lights up a room, you moved me very much with your thoughts and perception of life. Keep well, Keep the Spark in Your Eyes & that Super Smile of Yours!”
- Brigitte Beaudry, Royal Lapage

“What an amazing story you tell. I'm sure you hear this a lot, but it was truly inspiring.” - Brian Giammanco, PriceWaterhouseCoopers

“I wanted to say thank you for speaking with the RFC group on Friday. I found it to be impossible to listen to and not to be inspired.”
- Joy Cloud, Renaissance Financial

Healthcare

“I was able to hear and meet John at the CNA convention. He was the best part of our whole program. The others I work with also felt the same way. I just wanted to Thank John so much for being a part of our convention. He truly gave us something special.”
- Patsy Chailland, Southbrook Nursing Center

“I heard you speak at the NPACE meeting today and you were amazing! Your keynote made the entire three day conference worth attending.”
- Michele Marcus

"Thank you for speaking at our COCMA meeting last week. Thanks for sharing your amazing story of faith, determination and hope."
- Jemi Dixon

“What a great job you did last night! The company is still buzzing about you and your presentation. Thanks for being such an inspiration to so many!”
- Kevin Klingler, BioMedical Systems

“Thank you for helping me become a better OT, and a better person all around.”
- Melanie Summers, Rockwood ECSE, St. John's Mercy

“You are an inspiration to anyone who meets you. Your story is giving courage and direction to all of us who face challenges in our daily lives.”
- Andy Edwards, Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals

“Thank you, John! What an inspirational story as is yours. The feedback has been tremendous!”
- Lael Jones, Florida Nurses Association

“I chose the field of pediatrics primarily because of the vibrant and optimistic spirit I see in every child. John is amazing in part because he still embodies that infectious spirit of childhood, and through his motivational speaking he's found a way to show this off in such a constructive manner. What a treat it is to witness this gift being shared with others through his presentation!”
- Gene M LaBarge, MD; Docs 4 Kidz

“I just wanted to say thanks again soooooo much for the amazing presentation. Everyone has come up to us to express how much they enjoyed it. It was such a unique learning experience as well as an inspirational message for all.”
- Janelle Davis, SLU PT

“I have never received so many positive comments and “thank yous” from our membership. It was a pleasure from all of us to be in your presence and we know that your motivation will empower us to rise above our challenges today, tomorrow and always.”
- Leslie Schmidt, President of COCMA of the Metro East

Associations

“I enjoyed everything John said. He is a remarkable young man!”
- Renee Karpel-Morris, LandAmerica Commonwealth

“Thank you for helping me become a better OT, and a better person all around.”
- Melanie Summers, Rockwood ECSE, St. John's Mercy

“This was something I will never forget. I thought you were marvelous and inspirational.”
- Craig Beggs, KPMG

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us today. I am confident that because of your insights our company is making changes that will make us more successful both personally and professionally.”
- John Jackson - RE/MAX

“I just wanted to express again how impressed I was with your speech the other night. It was very uplifting and really eye opening.”
- Craig Jung, Hartwig Inc.

“John’s presentation was excellent, very captivating and extremely motivating. I think everyone should hear your amazing story and learn from your experiences to enrich their own lives and those around them.”
- Chris Chandler, Accenture

“Keep up the amazing work. Many lives are being changed because of this story.”
- Rich Banahan, Forest Park Community College Chief of Police

“Your message is truly unbelievable! Thanks for being such an unbelievable leader!”
- John C. Barrett, Program Chairman, BBJ

Thank you for coming to speak at the WIN meeting. Real estate professionals could learn much from you!"

- Jennie McCloskey, Wealth Improvement Network

“You have the most powerful strength of mind of anyone I have ever met. You are a great speaker! You presented as if you have been on the speaking circuit for 20 years – relaxed, confident, in control. Thanks for the message and most of all for not giving up!”
- Joe Clote, Publishing Concepts, LLC

“It was a pleasure meeting you at the RRI Retreat in Toronto and having the opportunity to meet an individual like yourself, I can’t put it into words. You truly touched me in a way like never before.”
- Ashley Fray

“I wanted to thank you again for speaking to us. More than two months after your speech we are still talking about you and how wonderful your speech was.”
- Alma Smith, Bestway Tavel

“When you shared your story everyone was spellbound. It was terrific and the standing ovation . . . Wow!”
- Dee Floyd, St. Louis County Rotary

“I hope you share this wonderful message with the world. What a gifted speaker you are!”
- Maureen Amick, Serra Club

“Today I sat with tears in my eyes more than once in your audience at Cargill Family Friday. I am so thankful that I was able to be there. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story! What a gift!”
- Kristin Hillukka, Cargill
“In the 17 years I have served on the committee, you are to first to have moved so may people.”
-Paul Spence, WTH.org

“The president said he felt sorry for anyone who brings a speaker in the future, because they will never be as good as you!”
- Susan Jackson – St. Louis Bank

“If the only reason you survived your terrible injury was to give this speech, today, then it was all worth it.”
- Eric – YMCA

“Please keep speaking and sharing this story!”
- Peggy FitzGibbon

“You inspired me and I know you will continue to inspire those who are fortunate enough to hear you speak.”
- Linda Gray, James C Bobrow, Inc.

“Not only did listening to your speech make me look deeper into the person I am, but it has inspired me to try to live my life more fully as John exemplifies on a daily basis.”
- Bridget Geiss, Plaza Frontenac

"John's story is extraordinary, but the message is universal. I left with an appreciation for how delicate and important life is, and that it can be a journey of endless possibility and opportunity."
- Tim Hurley, CVTY

“I really enjoyed John's speech. It is motivating to see a person who has been through so much shine through with a sense of humor and a smile. John has taken ownership of his life and has become a successful businessman, husband, and father.”
- Bethany Narciewicz, Pure Point Golf


Educational Institutions

“I am so glad I was able to hear this speech. I think it's wonderful that he has chosen to share his story with others. I think it touches people more than he realizes.”
- Mary Cay Creighton, Washington University

“I cannot find the words to thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Your presentation was so powerful.”
- Debbie Chapuis - Delta Gamma Center for the Blind

“I liked when John talked about what a difference attitude makes, by comparing the negative view he COULD have taken while in the hospital, versus the positive attitude he DID take. It really made me realize how important one's attitude is in a given situation.”
- Amy Fasnut, Lindenwood University

“You are most certainly an inspiration. To hear your story and to see the determination and motivation that drives you was phenomenal. I have not seen a group so awed by a speaker.”

- Lori Bliss – Blevins School

“Keep up the amazing work. Many lives are being changed because of this story.”
- Rich Banahan, Forest Park Community College Chief of Police

“We have heard so many good comments about yesterday. Many are asking about your e-mail, so don’t be surprised if you get even more busy!” - Helen Kilker, Harris Library

“Thank you so much for sharing your story with our students at Ballwin. You are truly the most inspiring person I have ever met. I went home last night and shared with my husband Chris your story and the impact it had on me and our Ballwin community.”
- Julie Gay, Ballwin Elementary Principal

“We learned a lot about the importance of believing in ourselves, each other and God. You are an inspiring man.”
- Jenny Moritz – Christ Prince of Peace

"It was a pleasure having you come speak at Glenwood Middle School during Red Ribbon Week. You did a fantastic job and I appreciated you sharing your story with our students."
- Erin Loyd, Glenwood Middle School

“Your presentation received a resounding applause and helped highlight the end of summer programs by recognizing all volunteers who contributed to this effort. Equally so for all the youth who participated and stood to gain from the summer educational experiences. Many heartfelt thanks from all of us at the Family Court Of St. Louis County.”
- Efren C. Gonzalez.

Faith

“I loved your talk that you gave at the Catholic Student Center on Good Friday. It was awesome. Great to see you, even if was from a distance! Thanks for the great talk. Keep it up!
- Ellie Rice, MS, CED

“I was at the conference and wanted to express my appreciation for your witness. It was truly an inspiration. God bless you and your precious family.”
- Bodil Morris

“Thanks again for this morning! The kids and teachers just raved about you and your message! What a super way to kick off our Week! Thanks again and God Bless you and your ministry.”
- Barb Yoffie, St. Clement's

“You are a blessing, and I have a feeling that one by one, you'll touch as many lives as the people around the world who prayed for you in your time of struggle. God bless you, John O'Leary!”
- Annette Butler

“I was so moved not only by your terrible ordeal, but more importantly by your super-sized faith in God. You are truly letting your light shine and letting God do His work through you.” Thank you again for traveling all the way to Austin to speak to us.”
- Sue Rabbitt

 

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