John Westhaver in checkered shirt, hands clasped.

A Global Leader in Resilience, Safety, and Mental Well-Being.

Heal.Learn.Grow.

John Westhaver speaking at a podium with a large screen behind, displaying the same person, and a sign referencing "Courage to Come Back Awards."

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As an international speaker and social leader, John Westhaver specializes in transforming corporate cultures through the power of resilience, safety, and responsibility. With a life story that is both compelling and transformative, John has more than two decades of experience delivering over 700 keynote presentations worldwide. He's not just a speaker; he's a catalyst for change. He is an award-winning speaker, receiving recognition with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and the Courage To Come Back Award by Coast Mental Health (2017).

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Resilient People. Thriving Organizations.

In today’s fast-paced world, resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. John Westhaver equips organizations with the mindset, strategies, and inspiration needed to help their people adapt, stay productive, and find fulfilment in their work. Through compelling storytelling and real-world tools, John empowers teams to embrace change, take ownership of their success, and create a culture where resilience drives results.

I equip teams and leaders with practical resilience strategies to adapt to change, overcome challenges, and perform at their best—no matter the circumstances.
I teach individuals how to reframe setbacks, embrace challenges, and cultivate a growth mindset—leading to increased motivation, focus, and workplace engagement.
I inspire professionals to lead with confidence, take ownership of their success, and create a workplace culture where resilience and well-being fuel long-term success.
I help organization’s build trust, improve communication, and foster psychological safety—ensuring employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best.
I show teams how personal accountability, emotional intelligence, and proactive decision-making lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.
I deliver dynamic, interactive keynotes that don’t just inspire but leave attendees with actionable strategies to create positive change in both their professional and personal lives.

Stronger People. Better Performance. Lasting Impact.

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John Westhaver is the embodiment of resilience. A thriving trauma survivor who overcame life-altering burns, he has transformed his personal journey into a powerful mission—helping people rise above challenges, take control of their well-being, and unlock their full potential. As a married father of three, he understands the importance of balance, perseverance, and leading by example.

John’s Speaking Topics

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Road To Safety Program:

A Unified Approach To Safety, Leadership, And Responsibility.

The Road to Safety program is a comprehensive initiative designed to instill a safety-first mindset in both corporate and educational environments. Whether addressing workplace safety for professionals or empowering students and educators to make informed safety decisions, this program fosters accountability, leadership, and engagement to create safer workplaces, schools, and communities. Delivered as either a keynote presentation or an interactive workshop, the program is adaptable to the specific needs of corporations, associations, schools, colleges, and universities.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why safety leadership is essential in workplaces, schools, and communities.
• The role of personal accountability in fostering a culture of safety.
• How leadership influences decision-making and collective safety practices.
• Recognizing and addressing complacency, peer pressure, and unsafe habits.
• How to shift from reactive safety measures to proactive leadership.
• Strategies for managing risk, stress, and high-pressure situations effectively.
• How leaders, educators, and professionals can create a culture of safety.
• Encouraging open conversations about risks, consequences, and accountability.
• Techniques to promote collaboration and active participation in safety initiatives.
• The impact of personal responsibility on road safety, workplace incidents, and daily choices.
• Identifying key habits that contribute to long-term well-being and safe environments.
• Practical exercises to build confidence in making responsible decisions.
• The role of leadership, teamwork, and community in enhancing safety awareness.
• How collaboration and engagement create sustainable safety initiatives.
• Case studies of organizations and schools that have successfully implemented safety programs.

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The Resilience Program:

Thriving Through Change And Adversity.

This corporate resilience program is designed to help professionals and teams develop a resilient mindset, overcome challenges, and cultivate a thriving workplace culture. It can be delivered as a keynote presentation or an interactive workshop, tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations, associations, and conferences.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding resilience and why it matters.
• The science behind resilience and its impact on well-being and performance.
• Thriving vs. surviving: shifting your mindset.
• Identifying negative thought patterns and self-doubt.
• Strategies to develop a growth mindset.
• Managing stress, uncertainty, and pressure effectively.
• How to navigate change and adversity with confidence.
• Strengthening communication and teamwork through emotional intelligence.
• Practical techniques to build mental toughness.
• Understanding the power of self-responsibility.
• Setting meaningful goals and developing an action plan.
• Creating habits for long-term resilience and success.
• Building a resilient workplace or academic environment.
• The role of leadership and peer support in fostering resilience.
• Real-world examples of resilience in action.

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Mental Health Program:

Thriving in Life, School, And Work.

This high-impact program is designed to equip individuals—whether students or professionals—with the tools to navigate adversity, embrace change, and cultivate a resilient mindset. By strengthening emotional wellbeing and personal growth, participants can thrive in both academic and professional life. The program can be delivered as a keynote presentation or an interactive workshop, tailored for schools, universities, corporations, and associations.

Key Topics Covered:

• What resilience is and why it is crucial in today’s fast-paced corporate environment.
• The science behind resilience and how it impacts performance, productivity, and well-being.
• Recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns that hold professionals back.
• Strategies to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
• How to manage stress, uncertainty, and change effectively.
• How to stay agile in an ever-evolving workplace.
• Developing emotional intelligence to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership.
• Techniques to build mental toughness and navigate setbacks with confidence.
• How personal responsibility fuels resilience and professional growth.
• Identifying key habits that support long-term success.
• Practical exercises to create an action plan for resilience in daily work life.
• How leadership can foster a culture of psychological safety and support.
• The role of collaboration and community in building organizational resilience.
• Case studies of companies that have successfully implemented resilience programs

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TESTIMONIALS

Real People

• Real Results

• Real People • Real Results •

"I've heard from so many folks that really thought the sessions were impactful and on target. The main sponsor said she was proud to have her company's name on the event. We appreciate your message so much." John Westhaver is an amazing man!

Scott W. Scheffler
Executive Director
Permian Road Safety Coalition
John Westhaver is an amazing man! At our most recent Mamingwey Burn Society conference, John presented a new session that he called “UnLabelling Myself”, where he encouraged all survivors to see themselves beyond their burns. This is a very important message and it was delivered in a kind, caring, and empowering way to our audience. John lives a message of hope as he shared that his scars do not define him; he exemplifies dignity, caring and by living the life he leads, he proves that life’s struggles give one strength. I would highly recommend John to any audience.

Barbara-Anne Hodge
Chair, Mamingwey Burn Society Inc.
Co-Chair, Canadian Burn Survivors Community
"John's speaking session was immensely moving and personal. As someone who does a lot of driving in both my personal and professional life, there were certainly a lot of important reminders to keep at the forefront of my mind. We are all guilty of days where we feel rushed, grumpy, etc. Where we've driven a little too aggressively, a little too fast, or a little too far when we get tired. Thank you so much for sharing your story and having the courage to relive that night, so that you can prevent similar incidents from happening. If you've been looking for a speaker to be at your event, look no further. I sincerely cannot recommend John enough!"

Morgan Paulson
NCSO & GSC Safety Professional
Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd.
"John has been a tremendous support during one of the most challenging times in my life. As a burn survivor transitioning back into the world, he provided me with the tools I needed to regain my confidence and move forward. He taught me the importance of pausing, assessing situations, and making thoughtful decisions. I highly recommend a coaching session with him to anyone who has experienced trauma and is looking for guidance on their journey to healing."

Keaton Frey
Freelance Graphic Designer
Keaton Frey Design
"Your presentation was poignant, and came from a place of genuine care for young people and the choices they will make. Your willingness to answer personal questions honestly at the end of the presentation was a testament to this. Our students responded to your authenticity with a standing ovation. Thank you John for your courage and commitment to continue to tell your story and make a difference in youths’ lives."

Andrea Felix
Brentwood College School