From 7th September through 7th December I have spoken 15 times to an extraordinary range of audiences on a variety of subjects – but mostly about Power2Inspire!
I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. But the circumstances, audiences and questions were all so unique and fascinating I thought it might be worth telling the story of the autumn…
John speaks to students at Warwick University
There was a short one – to Cambridge Buzz, outside in the late summer sunshine on the banks of the Cam; there was an online one – Liberty Global’s ‘Empower Hour’ celebrating diversity across their companies; there was a joyful one – celebrating the success of the 108 Challenge with head teacher and paddler, Kelly Harries, of Linton Infants; and there was the respectfully challenging one – the sixth formers at Ashford School really engaged with questions such as, “Have you ever been bullied?”, and, “What is the most challenging aspect of your day?”. This latter one elicited the reply, “Having a pee!” which obviously prompted further questions from the teenagers, “How do you pee?”
That, in turn, led to a great story about a journey on a Canadian train….
John talks to students at Woldingham School
John delivers a talk online
John demonstrating driving his adapted car
My talks usually (and they are never the same) start with a potted history of my life and the challenges of disabled living in the 1960s and 1970s; moves through the gadgets I use, including my car; and culminates in why I founded Power2Inspire and why we do what we do.
I love visiting Quilters Junior School, and not just because I know them so well. They also welcome me in for four days and I am able to cover different themes on each day such as overcoming barriers, resilience and perseverance (I am pleasantly shocked how many really young pupils know that long word!). This year I was joined by former student Rosie Williams, the British U13 Disability Gymnastics Champion, who was inspired by the Quilters Paralympic Week to pursue her love of gymnastics. And it was at this assembly, held outdoors to showcase that I could play tennis, that I was surprised by Sophie Wiggins of ITV Anglia….
Read about the moment John was surprised at Quilters
St John’s College School engaged me to talk to their DT club. The first session was to hear my challenges, the second to guide their first thoughts, and next term I will be shown their designs of gadgets to aid my day. I love their creativity, quite often thinking so far outside the box, I doubt they saw one in the first place!
Aveva invited Power2Inspire to receive six wheelchairs built in a day of team-building and I was very happy to accept. It allowed me to promote our PowerHouseGames and encourage them to join as their Cambridge office is less than 400m away from our most used venue, the Cambridge University Sports Centre.
John at O3e in Cambridge, meeting with AVEVA
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
Would your company, university sports team, or school like to welcome John in to inspire colleagues, students and teachers? Have you got an upcoming event that would benefit from John’s involvement? If so, then we would love to hear from you. We can adapt to fit. your requirements and budget. Just get those questions ready! Though you will be hard-pressed to beat two from six-year olds:
“How do you tie your shoelaces?”
“Why do you look like a penguin?”
Click the button here to find out more.
