Jonathan giving his motivational keynote speech as he sits on stage in front of a large, professional, association audience.
Jonathan acting out his stories as he interacts and entertains an audience while on stage.
Jonathan sitting on stage presenting a program on accessibility in tourism.

Building Resilience Against All Odds

Keynote Overview

Invite your team to experience an inspiring keynote speech where I share captivating stories from my own life. As a congenital quad amputee, seasoned Paralympic swimmer, and accessibility designer, I offer a unique and worldly perspective. My journey is a testament to finding innovative and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome any obstacle. Guided by my mission of "Using What You’ve Got" and "Components of You," I illustrate that we are all more than any single characteristic. Let my determination and unique outlook serve as a model for your team's success.

Jonathan being held by his new adoptive mother in the Croatian orphanage in front of his crib; surrounded by other children in their cribs

Workshop Overview

Built inside of the keynote, transform your team's potential with our dynamic and inspiring workshop, designed to reflect on pivotal life moments. Participants will engage in thought-provoking activities and move around the room, exploring new perspectives and delving into their own experiences. They'll set realistic personal and professional goals, fostering growth and self-discovery. Microphones stationed around the room provide a unique opportunity for individuals to share their insights, inspiring others in a supportive and safe space. This powerful exercise promises to energize your team and ignite their passion for success.

Key Takeaways

  1.  Audience members will have the ability to reflect on key moments in their lives

  2.  Audience members will come away with Motivation for success

  3. Audience members have the ability to set realistic personal and professional goals based on an understanding of the components that make up who they are

  4. Audience members will learn the tools to look internally at what they have versus looking externally at what they don’t

  5. Audience members will have the opportunity to assess the skills they have that would help elevate their performance and excel

Jonathan wearing a swim suit as he is mid-dive off of a floating platform in a lake
Jonathan Heider Laedtke smiling and pointing out to the crowd as he sits on stage at a conference
Quad amputee, speaker Jonathan Heider sitting on stage facing the audience with a monitor screen in front of him showing the PowerPoint Presentation.

For more information, a downloadable pdf of my speaker media kit is available below

Get in touch with Jonathan

Contact Jonathan’s team today, please give us a email or complete our contact form! We will be more than happy to discuss your upcoming event and help you find the perfect keynote or workshop.

Paralympic athlete Jonathan Heider sitting in his wheelchair; wearing Team USA apparel in the middle of a basketball court.

Additional Information

  • Bursting with excitement, this keynote is packed with high energy segments, thought provoking moments, and energizing stories to make you laugh along the way

  • As the Beating The Odds keynote is comprised of a collection of stories, the stories featured during each keynote is subject to change. There are typically 5 stories featured in this keynote; grabbing from a collection of 12 currently.

  • Built inside of the keynote, an empowering conversation will focus on the Components of You. This workshop will allow participants to reflect on pivotal moments in their life. There will also be an opportunity to share in small groups as well as with everyone depending on comfort level.

  • Taking into account your organization, Beating the Odds keynote will be customized to align key points with your mission.

A close up view of a silver medal Jonathan won competing at the Paralympic Greek Open in Athens, Greece.