John Quinn
HE / HIM / HIS
John W. Quinn is a military veteran and sought-after keynote speaker on disability inclusion. He is the author of Someone Like Me–An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy.
Inclusion is the opportunity for me to hit the same high standard as you.
Popular Talks
Disability Inclusion
Overcoming Great Odds to Success
A Winning Mindset
Inclusion is not a lowering of a standard to make things easier – it’s just the opportunity to hit the same standard as everyone else. Takeaway – Look past the disability to find the ability we all have.
“John Quinn is an outstanding and inspirational speaker leaving his audiences, including me, always wanting more! I’ve had the privilege of hearing John speak both in the United States and globally, when I engaged him, to speak at two of my former employers – a Fortune 150 Silicon Valley company and a Fortune 500 company in the Midwest. He captivates his audiences with his incredible life story of serving in the military while hiding his cerebral palsy for 20 years. When he speaks, you can hear a pin drop, because his audiences are riveted! His message is a powerful lesson of inclusion – one of opportunity, high standards – and greatness. If you’re looking for a speaker that will change your viewpoint on what’s possible and reinforce the power of inclusion – John Quinn is the perfect choice.”
— Susan J. Schmitt Winchester, retired CHRO Applied Materials and Rockwell Automation
“I’m so glad that John wrote this book!”
— Mitch Albom, Author, Tuesdays With Morrie
“John is an exemplary leader and human being who has lived a great life and now graciously shares his wisdom with others. I feel blessed to have known and worked with John on the cause of employment and inclusion for people with disabilities over the past few years, and look forward to further collaboration in the future.”
— Adam Kaplan, Business Leader and Innovator
- Military Veteran-Owned
- Traveling from Arizona, USA
John W. Quinn was born in Detroit, Michigan; one of eight children. Although diagnosed at a young age with cerebral palsy, John developed a strong desire to serve his country and wear the uniform of his nation. So, in spite of his partial paralysis, two different-sized feet and the inability to walk properly prior to the age of four, John joined the United States Navy. He did this while hiding his cerebral palsy from military officials for fear of being sent home for false enlistment. For the next twenty years, Senior Chief Quinn stood every watch while sailing around the world on carriers, battleships, destroyers – all while keeping his cerebral palsy a complete secret. He retired from the Navy with honors in 2002.
Mr. Quinn published his memoir, Someone Like Me – An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy and quickly became a sought-after speaker sharing his personal message of inclusion. As John states, “Inclusion is not a lowering of a standard to bring more people in. Inclusion is simply the opportunity for me to hit the same high standard as you.”
Reflecting back on his decision to keep his cerebral palsy secret, Mr. Quinn is very clear, “I would have loved to have walked into the recruiter’s office when I tried to enlist and said, “Yes, I have a mild case of cerebral palsy, but a stronger desire to serve my country. I’d like to join the Navy.” Upon hearing the words, “cerebral palsy”, the recruiter would have laughed me out of his office by saying, “Nope. Not allowed. Have a nice day.”
It’s been almost 45 years since Mr. Quinn first contacted that recruiter and sadly, not much has changed in regard to public perception within the disability arena. It’s one of the many reasons that John wrote Someone Like Me and shares his remarkable story with audiences around the world – to educate the public on cerebral palsy issues, break down outdated stereotypes, and to give voice to those who run, stand and look “different.”
Let’s collaborate to ensure a transformative experience.