A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Janine Shepherd has worked around the globe with major corporations on hundreds of custom keynotes and leadership development programs. Clients consistently rate her as the ‘best ever’ speaker and she invariably receives standing ovations.
The story of her journey from gifted athlete to paraplegic and her remarkable recovery—”If I can’t walk, then maybe I can fly!”— engages Janine’s audiences profoundly. Relating her true-life struggles gains listener respect and compassion, and Janine goes on to pass along her insights from this extraordinary journey to captivated listeners.
Janine takes her audiences on a roller-coaster ride of emotional, funny, and inspirational tales—many from her own life as well as borrowing from her intensive studies. Janine’s TEDx talk is so compelling that TED.com made it the talk of the day and it’s been viewed by millions worldwide. Audiences rate her presentations as so engaging that they hardly notice the passage of her too-short time on stage.
Janine’s work is science-based and proven, adding validation to her credibility as an educator and speaker. Janine is also willing to go the extra mile for every engagement: meet-greets, visiting local schools or non-profits in the community, book signings, and other interactive engagements that support her clients’ desires.
Laughter, engagement, and even tears aside, Janine’s keynotes conclude with a review of key takeaways that are easily understandable, leaving her audiences with a willingness to incorporate them into their work and home lives.
Embracing Adversity and Change
Janine is a gifted storyteller, who uses her wit, humor, and impeccable timing to engage the audience. She shares her journey in an expansive, inspiring and universal way that touches every heart in the room and invites each of us to dream and reach beyond their preconceived ideas of what is possible. Her keynote presentation sows the seeds of growth and positive transformation in the hearts of her audiences.
Janine takes us on an amazing journey. A journey on a road with so many twists and turns, so many deep valleys and steep hills that it mirrors the road we travel in own lives every single day.
This is a story that takes us from the pinnacle of elite athletics competition to the pain and fear of being wheelchair-‐ bound and facing the shattering reality of life-‐threatening and permanent injury; from the exhilaration of flight to the struggle of taking one difficult step at a time on a long road to recovery which continues to this day. Janine leaves her audience not only awed, humbled, and uplifted, but also causes them to think deeply about the way they live their own lives. Her listeners leave with a light heart and a conviction that they are able to change their attitude, find the power within and perform to the best of their abilities.
Janine reveals how our greatest obstacles can become our greatest opportunities and shares the tools that have allowed her to transform her dreams into reality. She gives the audience insight into how they too can achieve this in their own lives.
“Janine’s story is compelling and one that leaves you thinking long after she has left the stage. One of our team members remarked that he had never been so enthralled by a presenters story before. This is testament to Janine’s way of engaging her audience and really drawing them into her story. Her message is inspiring and one that we felt very privileged to have her share with us. We loved her warm personality & sense of humour on and off the stage and could not recommend her more highly.”
“Janine spoke at our Annual Retail Conference and provided one of the highlights of the entire week. Her story sparkles with the courage to conquer fear. Her passionate and self-effacing delivery left the room spellbound. Janine thrusts you into the darkest moments of human experience and navigates a path to recovery, hope and renewal. Buckle up!”
“Amazing human being! A truly inspirational speaker! Another inspiration – Janine offered lasting messages for us all. Another outstanding event! She was an inspiration. Fantastic story! What can I say – SENSATIONAL!”
“Janine had the whole room enthralled – her story is undeniably epic, and her delivery is animated and engaging. She clearly had a message to give which was relevant to all of us in both our personal and working lives: Go ahead and do what you want to do – never let anyone tell you never, never let the odds dissuade you from trying, and learn to love the challenge. There were tears and laughter, and we loved every minute!”
“Minority Women Professionals (MWPs) are MVPs is a national conference series aiming to bring women of diverse backgrounds, professions, abilities and experiences together to find common ground, become empowered despite their status as minorities, and acquire new skills to survive and thrive in their careers. Janine headlined our inaugural event in the San Francisco Bay Area—she was a standout star of the program! She shared her personal story of tragedy and triumph and how her near-fatal accident forced her to redefine herself and learn more about who she was. She gave hope to the women using her theme of being Defiant, and inspiring them to rewrite their own life stories. Janine made compelling arguments for why it is important to take on the hills in life, encouraging each attendee to conquer any circumstance she may face. We feel blessed to have had Janine speak to our group!”
“Amazing, inspirational, remarkable! The measure of Janine’s real impact was best demonstrated by the fact that Janine was the recipient of a standing ovation — the first ever afforded to a speaker in or fifteen-year history of conferences. The results of a survey of our Conference speakers fully vindicated our choice of Janine opening our Conference, with Janine recording the highest ever rating for a Guest Speaker!”
“Everyone who attended the event was enthralled by you amazing courage, determination and positive outlook on life, despite your experiences. You are an inspiration to anyone who has the good fortune to meet you.”