NAVIGATING CHANGE
John Maclean is a globally sought-after motivational speaker on change, resilience and performance.
John Maclean’s story is grounded in real experience, not theory. After a life-changing accident left him paraplegic, he rebuilt his life through elite sport, representing Australia at the Paralympics, completing the Hawaii Ironman and, years later, learning to walk again.
John’s presentations are not simply about overcoming adversity. John talks about how people and organisations respond when things don’t go to plan, how they adapt, refocus and keep moving forward under pressure.
John works with organisations around the world to help teams navigate change, build resilience and perform when it matters most. His message is practical, relatable and grounded in lived experience.
Trusted by leading organisations including Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank and PwC
Trusted by leading organisations including Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank and PwC
Presentation Topics
HOW FAR CAN YOU GO?
John’s keynotes are built around a simple idea: how individuals and teams respond when faced with challenge, change and uncertainty. Each presentation is tailored to the organisation, with a focus on practical outcomes and lasting impact.
BUILDING SELF-BELIEF, OWNERSHIP AND A MINDSET FOCUSED ON WHAT’S POSSIBLE.
PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE
Building an opportunity mindset and the habits needed to perform under pressure
LEADERSHIP
Leading through uncertainty and bringing people with you
CONNECTING FOR A COMMON GOAL
Strengthening teamwork, engagement and shared purpose
FOR SPEAKING ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA@JOHNMACLEAN.COM.AU
FOR SPEAKING ENQUIRIES
PLEASE CONTACT
AMANDA@JOHNMACLEAN.COM.AU
CONTACT US
AMANDA@JOHNMACLEAN.COM.AU
Testimonials
Cisco’s global audience of over 3000 people were hanging on John’s every word. He is a masterful speaker, who conveys his story with humility and inspiration. After many years of choosing keynote speakers for events, I can truly say that John is the best we have ever hired or that I have ever seen.
Wendy BahrSenior Vice President, Global Partner Organization at Cisco 
John’s story on facing and conquering adversity as an incomplete paraplegic, to achieve astonishing physical and mental feats, both amazes and inspires me. His approach to embracing change, not fearing it, resonates with me.
Steven WorrallMANAGING DIRECTOR AT MICROSOFT AUSTRALIA
The impact that John Maclean had on our company was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend to many “guest speaker” events through my career - John topped them all. His humility coupled with his motivating and poignant story-telling was fantastic. And his message of balance, optimism, challenging yourself and your perceived limits couldn’t have been more in-line with the type of spirit, life approach and thoughtfulness that we’re trying to instill across our company. Everyone was both deeply moved, but also was immediately translating and applying his message to the personal and business changes that they would be making.
Doug MerrittPRESIDENT & CEO AT SPLUNK
For the last 10 years we've hosted some of the world's most compelling TED speakers at our annual customer solutions summit, but we can say without reservation that John Maclean is by far the single most impactful presenter we have ever hosted. John's story is obviously amazing and inspiring, but it is the sincere and deliberate way that he engages with your audience after that fact that makes the difference. He created long term connections with our people and our customers that are still being talked about, daily.
Paul GiobbiPresident of Zumasys Inc
I came across John Maclean's book one summer and couldn't put it down. Inspired by his story, we invited him to speak at our annual Partner Conference. Three weeks on - we're all still talking about it!
Mark AverillCEO PwC NZ
John is the most inspirational speaker that I have seen. That is saying a lot considering the 100s of professional speakers I have been exposed to. His story is amazing, delivery flawless and his resonating connection with every one of our team members will remain forever. We as a leadership team have never had so much positive feedback about an outside speaker. Inviting John to speak to your team will be one of the most significant things you do for your team.
Radek Sali, Chief Executive Officer SWISSE WELLNESS PTY LTD
I cannot recommend John highly enough for any conference or motivational appearance. He would be the best speaker I have ever heard (and I have heard dozens). Not only is his international standard story inspirational it also has practical messages that can translate into any business. He makes you proud to be an Australian. You would be mad to look past John for any conference or event.
Janine AllisFOUNDER OF BOOST JUICE BARS
On behalf of the CBA team, I truly appreciate your incredible support throughout 2024. The impact across the Chief Operations Office including our Extended Senior Leadership team, Retail Operations and Business, Institutional and Markets Operations Senior leaders on your inspirational “Art of possible” leadership discussion has been phenomenal. The feedback from all our session has been first class with the feedback being “life changing” and consistently always the highlight of the leadership days!
Geoff WearneExecutive General Manager, Business, Institutional and Markets Operations at Commonwealth Bank Australia
John’s story on facing and conquering adversity as an incomplete paraplegic, to achieve astonishing physical and mental feats, both amazes and inspires me. His approach to embracing change, not fearing it, resonates with me.
Steven WorrallManaging Director at Microsoft (Australia / New Zealand)