Inspirational Keynote Speaking
- Powerful Stories
- Practical Lessons
- Memorable Impact
John Dabrowski is an International Speaker, Executive Coach and Published Author who combines an extraordinary personal story with practical lessons in resilience, mindset and performance.
From professional basketball and representing England to losing almost everything in his fifties and rebuilding his life, John’s story demonstrates one powerful principle:
“It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond.”
TRUSTED BY LEADERS AND ORGANISATIONS
SEE JOHN IN ACTION
Experience John's energy, humour and inspirational speaking style.
A SPEAKER YOU WON'T FORGET
John combines energy, humour, authenticity and powerful storytelling with practical techniques audiences can use immediately.
Drawing on experiences from elite sport, business, personal setbacks and rebuilding his life, John connects with audiences in a way that is inspirational, thought-provoking and highly relatable.
Every keynote can be tailored to reflect the organisation, audience and key messages of the event.
John doesn’t simply want audiences to leave feeling inspired.
He wants them to leave thinking differently about what is possible and with practical ideas they can put into action.
WHAT WILL YOUR AUDIENCE TAKE AWAY?
John's keynotes combine inspiration with practical learning.
A Stronger Mindset
Greater Resilience
A different view of change
Greater Confidence
Practical Tools
Motivation to take action
JOHN'S EXTRAORDINARY STORY
From underdog to British record holder
John was born to Polish parents and spoke Polish as his first language.
Starting school unable to speak English and struggling with confidence, he grew into a 6ft 4in 12-year-old who was often the last person picked for sport.
Then one meeting changed everything.
During a family visit to Poland, John met his 6ft 9in uncle, who played basketball for the Polish Army.
His uncle spent around 30 minutes showing him how to play and giving him encouragement.
A DREAM WAS BORN
John returned home, started practising and eventually progressed from school basketball to playing professionally and representing England.
He went on to win the playoffs with Sunderland and scored an extraordinary 98 points in a single game.
The boy who was once the last to be picked had become an elite sportsman.
BUT SUCCESS DIDN'T LAST FOREVER
After basketball, John built a successful career in business.
Then everything changed.
Financial problems, a failed business and personal setbacks left him facing the toughest period of his life.
At 59, with £40,000 of debt, he found himself working as a painter and decorator for just £70 a day.
From representing England at basketball to starting again with almost nothing.
He thought the best years of his life were behind him.
He was wrong.
THE COMEBACK
John began changing the way he thought, responded and approached his life.
Slowly, things began to change.
He rebuilt his career and his personal life and went on to become an International Speaker, Executive Coach and Published Author, working with leaders and organisations in the UK and internationally.
His experiences have given him a powerful message that sits at the heart of his speaking:
“It’s not how you start in life that counts. It’s how you finish.”
John’s story demonstrates that setbacks don’t have to define us and that it is never too late to change direction
EXPERIENCE THAT CONNECTS WITH BUSINESS
John’s keynote isn’t simply a story about basketball or overcoming adversity.
His experiences span elite sport, senior business roles, leadership, redundancy, financial setbacks, rebuilding a career, coaching and personal development.
This allows him to connect his story directly to the challenges people face in organisations today:
- Pressure
- Change
- Uncertainty
- Confidence
- Performance
- Setbacks
And the need to keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan.
AN INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
John has delivered keynote talks, masterclasses and leadership sessions across the UK and internationally for organisations ranging from global businesses to professional firms and leadership groups.
His speaking career has taken him across Europe, the Middle East and the United States, as well as aboard the Queen Mary 2.
Whatever the size of the audience, John’s approach remains the same:
- Connect with people.
- Tell memorable stories.
- Give them something practical they can use.
What Clients Say
“Awesome session – really appreciated and very timely for our team. Loved your personal authenticity to the story.”
“On the back of a client recommendation the bank invited John Dabrowski to speak at the Legal Conference series hosted in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. John delivered a powerful, energetic and insightful presentation on developing mental resilience.”
“He taught us techniques on mental resilience, staying positive and also how to relax. Feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive – he’s an engaging guy with a fantastic story. I would not hesitate to recommend John as an inspirational speaker.”
IDEAL FOR
- Leadership Conferences
- Company Events
- Senior Leadership Teams
- Away Days
- Business Conferences
- Organisational Change Events
Keynotes can be tailored to the audience, event theme and time available.
PUBLISHED AUTHOR
John is the author of:
- 100 Days to Mental Resilience
- Off The Wall – How to Develop World Class Mental Resilience
His books explore many of the practical mindset and resilience principles he shares through his speaking and coaching.
BRING JOHN'S STORY TO YOUR NEXT EVENT
Give your audience an unforgettable experience that inspires them to think differently, overcome challenges, and take positive action long after the event.
John would be delighted to discuss your event, your audience and the message you want people to take away.
- Powerful Stories
- Practical Lessons
- Memorable Impact