2017 Business Excellence Awards

80 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2017 Motivational Speaker of the Year 2017 - UK John Flanner John Flanner is an inspirational speaker whose success is based on sharing very honestly his own experiences of overcoming adversity and living with disability. He discusses how he works to offer an honest portrayal of his experience. “My story challenges the traditional view of disability, based on how I forged my own path to success, and I am determined to transform the atmosphere in offices and communities around the country. I am passionate about enabling people to enjoy life and make the very most of their ability. I deliver a series of keynote talks that can be delivered separately or together in a two-hour session with any team, fine-tuned to meet the needs of businesses, small groups, schools or individuals. My 30 minute talks are entitled ‘An Incredible Journey’, ‘Break Out’, and ‘Fear, Fun and Faith’, and are designed to give people the tools they need to realise their potential. “Over the last few years my clients have included staff of all grades within HMRC, Cabinet Office, Home Office, DWP and in banking, as well as schools and colleges. When working with new clients I initially speak with them beforehand to establish exactly what it is they are looking for. If it is about raisingmorale, transforming atmosphere and helping people to move out of their comfort zones to realise their potential, then I am absolutely confident of achieving those aims based on previous positive experiences and brilliant feedback.” Prior to blindness interrupting his career, John worked for the Dunlop Rubber Co, before joining the Civil Service. He draws upon this and many other experiences in his speaking today, as he is eager to emphasise. “Having gone blind at the age of 19, I have worked for many years in the British Civil Service as an audio John Flanner MBE is a motivational speaker who draws on his own experiences to offer advice and support. We invited him to share his story in his own words. Company: John Flanner MBE Contact: John Flanner Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 16 Draycote Close, Solihull, West Midlands B92 9PT, UK Phone: 07463 785644 Web Address: www.johnflanner.co.uk BE170133 typist, then latterly on tax rebates. The level of success I have achieved is down to one senior manager who believed in me and my abilities and did something about it. Since then I have learned to plan to succeed and have shared my experiences across the country, culminating in being awarded the National Civil Service Outstanding Achievement Award for services to Equality and Diversity in 2006, and an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2014. “If you have achieved business success, you will already have learned that successful people respond well to obstacles, know how to confront issues with the right attitude, and love what they do. I have many life experiences that I draw upon in my talks. I have had to overcome many setbacks and challenges, but have done so with cheerfulness and a great sense of humour. This all comes into play when delivering any of my sessions. Getting people laughing is very important to me.” Looking ahead, John is excited for the future as he recounts how he is looking to continue to share his vital message. “Ultimately, I want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in this country and overseas. We only get one attempt at life and I am committed to empowering people to make the most of life and work. “In addition, I am shortly publishing my third autobiographical book called “Beautiful Game, Beautiful Memories” which tells the story of growing up and going to football with my Dad and then contrasting that with going to football after the age of 19 as a blind supporter. The book is being launch at Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa on Thursday 4 May and I am excited to share this latest insight with my clients.”