John Powers
- Broadway Playwright, Author
John Powers Speaker Biography
Business Person
Founder of the Powers of Motivation Institute in 1988. Raised three million dollars for his Broadway musical production. Has coordinated the activities of various financial, sales and marketing staffs and unions representing such personnel as actors, musicians and stage hands.
Communicator
Holds a Ph.D. in Communications from Northwestern University. Has performed (and written) two one-man shows and two Emmy Award winning television specials. He has hosted his own radio and television shows and has been a guest on thousands of radio and television shows including Oprah and Today. John has been a professional speaker for over twenty years and has shared the dais with such people as George Bush, Ken Burns, Betty Friedan, Rudy Giuliani, Smokey Robinson and Muhammad Ali.
Humorist
He has performed stand-up comedy at various venues throughout the nation. Humor is also a major ingredient in all of his writings, performing work and presentations.
Author
John has written five books, a Broadway musical, two one-man shows (he was also the performer), and two Emmy Award winning television specials.
A Creator of Takeaway Ideas
As a former teacher, John knows the importance of providing practical information that members of his audience can use immediately to enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. He has taught at all levels of academia…elementary, junior high and college including many years as a professor of speech & performing arts at Northeastern Illinois University. In addition, John has created and hosted numerous educational specials for PBS. Dr. Powers has also been the keynote speaker for many local, state and national educational organizations.
Philosopher
According to John Powers…
“There is a first time and a last time for everything.”
“As leaders, through our words and actions, we are teaching all the time even when we don’t want to.”
“Each of us is a rock that sends ripples through generations.”
PERSONALLY
John Powers was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago so, yes, he has murdered people. When he was four years-old, some other kids tied him to a tree. Two years later, his parents went looking for him. Three years later, they untied him. As a young person, he had few friends, was a lousy student and a horrible athlete. His father had a lot of dough. He was a bread truck driver. Powers graduated in the bottom three percent of his high school class. As an adult, Powers has a strong Midwestern work ethic. Reluctantly. He is married to JaNelle and they have two daughters who have taught them everything. He plays the banjo. Sometimes he wins. Sometimes he loses.
Book this SpeakerFeatured Videos
Speech Topics
If I’m Odd Does That Make Us Even?
Finding The Passion For Who You Are And What You Do
Ah…yes. Each of us is a once-in-a-universe happening waiting to be discovered. Great leaders, sales people, team players, communicators and thinkers know this. They recognize and celebrate the unique talents of each colleague, client and member of the community.
How To Keep The Promise You Make To Yourself
We all make promises to ourselves. “I’m going to manage my people better.” “I’m going to increase my sales.” “I’m going to spend more time with my family.” But according to most studies, we rarely, if ever, do. This program, in five simple steps, guarantees your success.
Lions Walk Softly So They Can Listen
The art and science of leadership. A strong leader gives people faith in themselves. No organization has ever succeeded without lions of leadership.
Oh, Shut Up!
How To Talk So People Will Listen And How To Listen So People Will Talk
If you talk out loud, you are a public speaker – addressing a group of people, a job interview, committee meetings, communicating with clients, colleagues, friends and family. Yet, no one has ever taught us how to do it well. This program gives you the true fundamentals in order to be a successful speaker and active listener.
School Is For The Birds…The Ones Who Want To Fly
A rare opportunity to see education from the perspective of the worst kid in class…John Powers. These are stories and facts with a vital message for teachers, school administrators, school boards, community groups, parents and anyone who is concerned about the education of our children.
