Key Leadership Presentations for Corporations, Organizations & Learning Institutions
Believe in Possibilities...
Embrace the Journey
From the day we are born, our lives are full of possibilities. All we need to do is listen to the voice inside that whispers, “Believe in yourself, believe it is possible, begin the journey.” John Draper, Founder of Together We Rock!, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and is physically disabled and non-verbal. With humour and authenticity, John shares personal stories from his journey to finding his voice at home, in school, at college, and at work. Through his real-life examples, he inspires his audience to discover the unlimited potential that exists in all of us to create a world that is accessible to everyone, and includes everyone, every day. With each story John relates, audience members begin to realize that they have everything they need for their own journey to make the world a better place. It all starts with believing it is possible.
An ideal keynote address for a conference or professional development session, this presentation features the following key messages:
our success in life is shaped by our ability to believe in possibilities
achieving possibilities is rooted in a shared vision of success and clear expectations
any journey to realize possibilities begins with one step
The Believe in Possibilities presentation can be delivered in either an in-person or virtual format.
“John inspires us all to be leaders. An enlightened leader himself, he will change how you think, how you act, and how you live. John’s body of work is both innovative and mindful – empowering you to make the world more accessible. And that’s cool!”
Janet Lee | President, The Story Co.
“The Together We Rock! experience inspires us to envision possibilities for the places where we work and live and calls each of us to think about the difference we can make singly and collectively.”
Beth O’Leary | Consultant
Accessible and Inclusive Communities...Hitting the Reset Button
In a post-pandemic world, our communities will be dealing with a “new normal.”
Governments, businesses, educational institutions, and organizations will be trying to find ways to change and adapt to our new reality. They will be considering new ways of thinking to achieve accessibility and inclusion. Such an exploration sometimes requires us to step back for a moment and re-evaluate our efforts. This “reset” moment may require us to reimagine and reinvent how we champion accessibility and inclusion. Using poignant and humorous examples from his own experience, John Draper, Founder of Together We Rock!, encourages his audience to hit the reset button when it comes to such things as our belief in possibilities, the value we place on accessibility and inclusion, the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts, and our concepts of leadership.
This thought-provoking presentation is ideal for a professional development session. Key messages include:
our success in creating extraordinary communities depends on how effectively we articulate the value of accessibility, equity and inclusion, for everyone
no one person or organization has created an accessible and inclusive community on their own – results-focused collaboration is paramount
inclusive leadership moves us closer to realizing a community where everyone can participate and feel a sense of belonging
The Hitting the Reset Button Presentation can be delivered in either an in-person or virtual format.
Leading Organizations...
Embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The world is transforming in profound ways. Several global crises, combined with a spectrum of diverse economic, political, social, and technological changes, have created a new reality for corporations, businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Organizations are awakening to the connection that exists between the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion and the potential for improved performance. These organizations champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything they do, and create an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong and their contributions are valued. John Draper, Founder of Together We Rock!, brings his unique perspective to the topic from his lived experience as an individual with a disability. He captivates his audience with his unique presentation style, sharing humorous and poignant stories of his experiences that shine a spotlight on what makes a successful organization in today’s world.
This thought-provoking presentation can be a conference keynote address or part of a professional development session. Among its key messages:
A clear vision of diversity, equity and inclusion guides all the actions and decisions of successful organizations
Every individual in the organization, from the top down, shares the responsibility for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion
Successful organizations champion inclusive leaders, who foster a culture where everyone’s opinions and views are valued and leveraged in decision making
The Leading Organizations presentation can be delivered in either an in-person or virtual format.
“After seeing John’s presentation, it made me realize that it was time for me to raise my goals for both myself and the rest of my team. John’s presentation and message is very inspiring – I highly recommend it!”
Bob Chown | Director, Chown and Associates Inc.
“John delivered his powerful leadership message in an entertaining way. I was blown away by his presentation. John Draper “Rocked It”! His presentation was authentic, humorous and insightful. It was spot on in every way!”
Barbara Collier | Senior Executive Leader
Inclusive Education…
Fulfilling the Purpose of Education
Inclusive education enables all students to realize their future possibilities. An unwavering commitment to a vision of equity and inclusivity gives every student a chance at success. Welcoming students into their neighbourhood school in a regular classroom with their peers is just the beginning. Discovering and supporting each student’s potential through universal learning strategies is at the heart of inclusive education. John Draper, Founder of Together We Rock!, takes the audience on an unforgettable adventure as he shares his own journey through the education system, navigating through the naysayers, manoeuvring around the brick walls, and discovering the difference an “extraordinary” teacher can make. Delivered with humour and passion, John’s powerful message encourages his audience to reflect on their own efforts to achieve equity and inclusivity in education.
An ideal keynote address for a conference or professional development session for educators, policy makers, school board professionals and aspiring teachers, this thought-provoking presentation features the following key messages:
school communities need a clear and common vision of equity and inclusion and a commitment to making it a reality
discovering and supporting the potential of all students, regardless of their ability, is at the core of inclusive education
inclusive learning strategies enable students to succeed both in school and in their community beyond graduation
The Inclusive Education presentation can be delivered in either an in-person or virtual format.
Finding My Voice...
One Step At A Time
Communication is central to every aspect of our lives. Our ability to communicate contributes to our self-concept, our relationships, and our success in life. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy since birth and non-verbal, John Draper, Founder of Together We Rock!, has been on a journey to find his voice, taking one step at a time. John describes this journey as a time of discovery, learning, problem solving, frustration, and celebration – and on occasion an “adventure.” So many people, including professionals, researchers, colleagues, friends, and family, have been part of his journey to find his voice. According to John, the ones who made the greatest difference understood the importance of listening and of living the following simple truths: believing in possibilities, inspiring collaboration, and championing leadership. John believes all of us have the potential to live these truths.
This inspiring presentation is ideal for both experienced and aspiring educators, communication professionals, and inclusive leaders. Key messages include:
each journey to find your voice starts with a unified and unwavering vision for the future that guides the path taken
traditional practices and ways of thinking may need to be challenged in order to find better solutions.
Inspiring collaboration and fostering leadership are essential to supporting a person who is nonverbal to find their voice.
“John’s leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion is truly unmatched! His Finding My Voice presentation is professional, personal, and highly engaging. It resonated deeply with my first-year graduate students. He took us on a memorable journey, one that needed to be experienced through John’s lens and one that none of us will ever forget!”
Donna McGhie-Richmond | Associate Professor, University of Victoria
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