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John O'Leary

Best-Selling Author of On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life; Inspiration for the Film "Soul On Fire"

In 1987, 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. John was given one percent chance to survive.

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Bio

In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. Originally printing 200 copies for friends and family, his parents have sold 60,000+ copies. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.

John inspires 50,000+ people at 100+ events each year. He speaks to companies and organizations across industries, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance.

Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” John receives nearly 100% of his engagements from referrals. His schedule is a testament to the power of his message and who he is as an individual.
His emotional story-telling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each of his presentations truly transformational.

John is a two-time #1 National bestselling author. His first book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life has sold 250,000+ copies and been translated into 12 languages. IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy published in May 2020 with many saying it is the message we all need right now.

In 2025, John’s bestseller came to life on the silver screen with the release of SOUL ON FIRE. Directed by Sean McNamara, the movie has an impressive cast list including William H. Macy (Shameless), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things).

SOUL ON FIRE counters the belief that we are defined by our mistakes or the difficulties we endure. It instead celebrates the parts of John's story that are most enduring and most universal—that when community comes together, when personal imperfections are embraced and when we allow who we wish we were to finally give way to the gift we already are, amazing things happen.

John's award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than 2.5 million downloads and enjoys world-class guests.

John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.

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Keynotes

Featured Keynote

On Fire: the 7 choices to ignite a radically inspired life

Why do some people attract success and joy, but others languish through failure and struggle? How are some companies surpassing sales goals, but others are unable to meet minimum expectations? Why are some teams able to embrace change and thrive in spite of it, but others fight against it and suffer because of it? As a heavily-sought after speaker across multiple industries, John O'Leary masterfully teaches organizations why some fail and others succeed. Most importantly, he outlines specific techniques so individuals can utilize their current inflection points (every day moments which impact everything that comes after them) and transform challenges. Whether your organization is striving to improve team engagement, employee accountability or change management: John has a solution for you. John is a man who defied death. At nine years of age, John was burned on 100% of his body in a house fire. After five months in the hospital, dozens of surgeries and years in therapy, John survived. Far from being an example of someone who simply endured something horrific, John is a luminous example on thriving through adversity. He now teaches others how live intentionally, lead effectively and impact profoundly. His authentic message empowers audiences to shift their perspective, quit making excuses and start living a radically inspired life. This keynote is based on John's first book, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite Your Radically Inspired Life which became an instant best-seller and has been translated in 12 languages. Experience this keynote and understand why John receives roaring standing ovations and stacks of heartfelt thank you letters. Every time.

Be the Light: Christian, Faith-Based keynote

Be the Light: Christian, Faith-Based keynote

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, and intensifying violence. These issues impact all of us. In our personal lives, we each battle challenges in our families, relationships, health, and finances. Be the Light reminds us that light pushes back darkness, love destroys evil, The Author of Life still reigns, and the best is yet to come. This program inspires audiences to shine possibility, hope and faith into a community starved for it. You and your community will be reminded that God still works miracles, He orchestrates amazing interactions through individuals here on earth, and He has called you to Be the Light! Prepare to let your light shine!
Partnership Program: collaboration keynote

Partnership Program: collaboration keynote

The power of John O’Leary’s message has a universal application and can be uniquely personalized for your organization. John regularly partners with leaders to customize presentations to complement their annual conferences, meetings and events. John successfully highlights the organization’s mission, values, or specific meeting objectives and uses his experiences (professionally, personally, and from his global travels) as a backdrop to offer action steps and applicable take-aways. Because of this, John is a heavily sought-after keynote speaker in healthcare, sales, executive leadership, safety, and education.
The Power of One: How One Attitude, One action, And One Person Can Change the World

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. But his experience wasn't his alone. What makes John's life story and his keynotes so engaging are the intimate involvement of so many others. From a dedicated Hall of Fame sports announcer to a visionary burn nurse (and countless others), every individual involved in this 1987 fire and its aftermath teaches us this truth: one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others. John uses his survivor experience to inspire audiences to see the abundant possibility within their professional and personal challenges. With emotional storytelling and unexpected humor, John reminds audiences of the significance of daily attitudes, the power of personal choices, and the profound impact of actions. He reawakens each individual to realize the gift of today and the possibility of tomorrow.
In Awe

In Awe

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 testtaking, 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.

Topics

Inspiration & Achievement Trending
Overcoming Adversity

Backstage Pass Podcast with GDA Speakers: John O'Leary - The Soul On Fire Mindset For Purpose That Lasts

Soul On Fire - Official Trailer

Sizzle Reel

It's Happening... The Cast of On Fire the Movie!

The Power of One

Full length keynote

My second book! IN AWE

Faith Keynote Clip

John O'Leary on the Piano - optional keynote addition

Parade.com

John O'Leary is a regular contributor to Parade.com

Solutions Magaziine

John is a regular contributor to Solutions Magazine

2020 IN AWE
2016 On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
2008 Overwhelming Odds (written by his parents, Susan and Denny O’Leary)

test

John's story is so riveting. Not only did he survive but he learned to LIVE. That is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

Dave Ramsey, New York Times best-selling author and radio host

“I have been involved in putting together four National Sales Meetings for Stryker Biotech and we have had a variety of speakers, from a POW to an astronaut to a special ops military person – all heroes of some sort. Although they had interesting stories of how they overcame their situation to prevail, non was as compelling or personal as your story. I think I speak for the whole audience when I tell you that it was the most meaningful for all of us.”

Kathy Beard, Director, Marketing and Sales Education, Stryker Biotech

“The evaluation summary from John’s talk at our conference is hands-down the best summary I have ever compiled. I am not a bit surprised. He was amazing! His presentation was undoubtedly the high point of the entire event. He changed lives that day, as I am sure he does whenever he tells his story.”

Kristin Holt, Acute & Emergency Care Pediatrics Conference, Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Of the many Annual Meetings I have been involved in over the years, I thought John's presentation was one of the best, if not THE best, I have witnessed. His message hit home with the vast majority of the audience. I heard rave reviews from the membership. He would have my utmost recommendation!

Larry Jansen, President, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company

“Since John’s event, our customer satisfaction scores have risen and the interaction with my team has improved.”

Mark Harmon, Store Manager, LEGO ®

"John was our speaker for our kick-off and was simply amazing. There are not enough words to express how impactful his talk was."

Microsoft

"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 and YPO Member

Your presentation was full of insight, humor, passion and all-around goodness. You shared incredible information and our consultants are viewing their businesses and their lives in ways they never have before. Thank you for touching our souls!

Theresa Moberg, Vice President, Training and Development, Tastefully Simple

"The feedback from John's presentation has been overwhelming awesome."

Vice President, Enterprise

“Thank you for being such a big part of the success of this year’s meeting. Your participation added immeasurably to the overall success of the program. We applaud your commitment to professional development and the nursing profession.”

Willa Fuller, RN, Director of Member Services, Florida Nurses Association

He brings so much warmth, love, and encouragement to the room!

Connie F Tyne, Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health

John is the most warm and personable speaker we have ever had!

Connie Tyne, Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health

John is amazing! Everyone on our staff loved working with him and our guests can't stop raving about him. Joy and love simply exude from him, and everyone is impacted in a positive way.

Diann Panozzo, Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health

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John O'Leary

Bio

Keynotes

On Fire: the 7 choices to ignite a radically inspired life

Topics

John's story is so riveting. Not only did he survive but he learned to LIVE. That is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

Of the many Annual Meetings I have been involved in over the years, I thought John's presentation was one of the best, if not THE best, I have witnessed. His message hit home with the vast majority of the audience. I heard rave reviews from the membership. He would have my utmost recommendation!

“Since John’s event, our customer satisfaction scores have risen and the interaction with my team has improved.”

"John was our speaker for our kick-off and was simply amazing. There are not enough words to express how impactful his talk was."

"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."

Your presentation was full of insight, humor, passion and all-around goodness. You shared incredible information and our consultants are viewing their businesses and their lives in ways they never have before. Thank you for touching our souls!

"The feedback from John's presentation has been overwhelming awesome."

“Thank you for being such a big part of the success of this year’s meeting. Your participation added immeasurably to the overall success of the program. We applaud your commitment to professional development and the nursing profession.”

He brings so much warmth, love, and encouragement to the room!

John is the most warm and personable speaker we have ever had!

John is amazing! Everyone on our staff loved working with him and our guests can't stop raving about him. Joy and love simply exude from him, and everyone is impacted in a positive way.

Let's find your perfect speaker!

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Keep Up To Date

John O'Leary

Bio

Keynotes

On Fire: the 7 choices to ignite a radically inspired life

Be the Light: Christian, Faith-Based keynote

Partnership Program: collaboration keynote

The Power of One: How One Attitude, One action, And One Person Can Change the World

In Awe

Topics

John's story is so riveting. Not only did he survive but he learned to LIVE. That is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

Of the many Annual Meetings I have been involved in over the years, I thought John's presentation was one of the best, if not THE best, I have witnessed. His message hit home with the vast majority of the audience. I heard rave reviews from the membership. He would have my utmost recommendation!

“Since John’s event, our customer satisfaction scores have risen and the interaction with my team has improved.”

"John was our speaker for our kick-off and was simply amazing. There are not enough words to express how impactful his talk was."

"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."

Your presentation was full of insight, humor, passion and all-around goodness. You shared incredible information and our consultants are viewing their businesses and their lives in ways they never have before. Thank you for touching our souls!

"The feedback from John's presentation has been overwhelming awesome."

“Thank you for being such a big part of the success of this year’s meeting. Your participation added immeasurably to the overall success of the program. We applaud your commitment to professional development and the nursing profession.”

He brings so much warmth, love, and encouragement to the room!

John is the most warm and personable speaker we have ever had!

John is amazing! Everyone on our staff loved working with him and our guests can't stop raving about him. Joy and love simply exude from him, and everyone is impacted in a positive way.

Let's find your perfect speaker!

Explore

Quick Links

Keep Up To Date