John O’Leary | Speaker and Coach| Inspiring Change Through Personal Struggle

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 a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. John inspires nearly 75,000 people at 100+ events each year. John’s first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, was an instant #1 National Bestseller; his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes & Inc. Magazine. His online community is 200,000 strong. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife, Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family.

I’m so honored to welcome John to the show to share his journey from near death to striving to multiply his talents and repay the generosity of others. He discusses his path to becoming a speaker and how saying yes to opportunities led to speaking in 50 states, dozens of countries, and at over 2,500 events. John also shares lessons from his own life to encourage leaders to be grounded and not worry too much about life's setbacks, as they will inevitably pass.

“Generosity is not only about money. It's about time and attention.” - John O’Leary

“Seeds are taking deeper root, the right next steps are happening, and God's Will be lived out.” - John O’Leary

“The cool thing about generosity is it's never one plus one is two, it's a multiple.” -  John O’Leary

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The shocking fire that burned 100% of 9-year-old John’s body and his long process of recovery
• John’s memory of lying in a hospital bed wrapped in bandages and hearing the voice of his hero Jack Buck and how his daily visits inspired John in his recovery
• How Jack, by speaking life and challenge over John, helped support his wider family 
• How John managed to earn 60 signed baseballs and learn how to write again from his hospital bed
• The importance of being interruptible in life and making time for people who need us
• How John became a speaker, and he shares his experience of his first speaking engagement for an audience of three Girl Scouts
• John discusses the upcoming movie production for the film inspired by his story, with director Sean McNamara
• How John was able to finally help his parents in return when they suffered a second fire in their home

John O’Leary’s Words of Wisdom:

My reminder to you is that this too shall pass.  Almost everything on this side of eternity, the good and the bad, will eventually pass.  

Connect with John O’Leary: 

• John’s Story  

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