Jessica Cox: Motivational Speaker

  • Jessica is recognized internationally as an inspirational keynote speaker.
  • Born without arms, Jessica now flies airplanes, drives cars, and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands.
  • She holds the title of the first person without arms to earn a black belt in ATA Martial Arts
  • The Guinness World Record for being the first armless person in aviation history to earn a pilot’s certificate.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Tucson, Arizona, United States
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
  • Virtual:
  • Range: $15,000 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Adaptability is the key to survival. As industries face constant flux, the ability to adapt hinges on embracing a mindset shift. By fostering a culture of openness to change, resilience, and innovation, businesses can effectively navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities with confidence.

In this keynote, Jessica ignites a spirit of innovation and underscores the transformative potential inherent in setbacks—they serve as pivotal moments for resilience to flourish. This paradigm doesn’t only endorse resilience, creativity, and adaptability but actively cultivates them, laying a sturdy foundation for navigating the ever-changing landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Recognize adaptability as a cornerstone of success and develop the mindset needed to thrive in dynamic environments
  • Capitalize on emerging opportunities and leverage setbacks as catalysts for innovation
  • Develop a sturdy foundation for navigating change with resilience, creativity, and adaptability
  • Explore strategies for embracing change with confidence and agility
  • Gain practical insights into how to effectively navigate complexities and challenges while maintaining focus on organizational objectives.

Organizations must adopt a problem-solving mindset as a driving force for change, recognizing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. When teams build a culture that encourages proactive problem-solving, businesses can effectively navigate complexities, adapt swiftly to evolving landscapes, and thrive in dynamic environments.

In this keynote, Jessica sheds light on the power of unconventional thinking by urging audiences to embrace innovative solutions. By thinking outside the shoe, teams can reframe their perspectives to approach problems with curiosity, ingenuity, and boundless creativity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Understand the importance of a problem-solving mindset as a key to overcoming challenges
  • Learn to re-frame challenges as opportunities for growth and development, seeing obstacles as catalysts for innovation
  • Discover techniques for embracing unconventional thinking and fostering a culture of creativity within teams and organizations
  • Explore real-world examples of unconventional thinking to drive innovation and achieve breakthrough results
  • Develop skills and tools for cultivating a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving

Navigating change involves prioritizing three actions: aviating, navigating, and communicating. “Aviating” involves maintaining a steady course amidst turbulence, similar to a pilot ensuring the stability and control of an aircraft during flight. “Navigating” entails charting a clear path forward by assessing the current landscape, identifying potential obstacles, and plotting the most efficient route to reach desired destinations. Finally, “communicating” is essential to ensure alignment, foster collaboration, and maintain morale throughout the change process.

Drawing from her own experiences, Jessica shows how setbacks can be reframed as opportunities for growth. By accepting failure as a natural part of the journey, teams can cultivate a culture of resilience that allows them to bounce back stronger than ever before.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn strategies for navigating change, including proactive planning, strategic decision-making, and adapting to evolving circumstances
  • Explore techniques for maintaining stability and control amidst turbulence
  • Develop skills for charting a path forward, assessing the landscape, identifying obstacles, and creating adaptable plans
  • Understand the importance of continuous evaluation and adjustment in navigating change
  • Discover strategies for fostering resilience and agility to embrace change, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities for growth

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in […]

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in her potential. With the support of her parents and family, Jessica became confident in herself as an adult and continued to explore the world with her feet.

At the age of 14, Jessica Cox earned her first black belt in the International Taekwondo Federation. After graduating from high school, Jessica attended the University of Arizona, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that psychology credits the way people think with having a greater impact on their lives than a physical limitation. During college, Jessica joined an ATA Martial Arts club and became the first armless person to earn a black belt in the ATA.

Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly. It took three states, four airplanes, three flight instructors, and three years to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane. In 2008 Jessica earned her Light Sport Pilot Certificate. She received the Guinness World Record for being the first person certified to fly an airplane with only their feet in 2011.

In May 2012, Jessica Cox married in the beautiful city of South Pasadena, CA. In the fall of that same year, Jessica became a Goodwill Ambassador for Humanity & Inclusion, a Nobel Peace Prize winning NGO, and advocated for disability rights in Ethiopia, the Philippines, Nepal, and the US Senate.

Flying continues to be a passion for Jessica as she attends many of the largest aviation events in the world. Along the way, she has been recognized for numerous awards, including Woman of the Year from the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, an honorary doctorate from Universidad Santander in 2023, and a distinguished speaker award from Egypt’s President at the World Youth Forum in 2019.

In 2019, a generous fan donated a 1946 415C Ercoupe with tail number N26R (“two-six-romeo”) for Jessica’s use. With an 85 horsepower engine, two seats for a pilot and a copilot/passenger, a cruising speed of around 90 miles per hour, and a flying time of a little over three hours, N26R is a fair-weather airplane designed primarily for local daytime flights. Because of the performance limitations, Jessica Cox plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat RV-10 airplane with custom controls for Jessica to use.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Jessica Cox

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

You may be interested in...

  • (29)
  • (2)
Tom Turcich

Tom Turcich is not just a keynote speaker; he’s a living testament to the power of human resilience, the spirit of adventure, and the boundless possibilities of the human experience. As the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, Tom Turcich has captured the world’s imagination […]

  • Travels from: Cincinnati, OH
  • Adventure Speakers
  • (27)
Relevant Leadership Podcast - Ty Bennett

Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]

  • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (35)
WELCOME TO MY OFFICE

With a trailblazing spirit and a commitment to excellence, Carey Lohrenz has soared to remarkable heights both in the sky and on the ground. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the United States Navy, Carey shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in military aviation. Her journey is not just one of […]

  • Travels from: Excelsior, MN
  • Aviation Speakers
  • (39)
David Horsager

David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is an internationally recognized authority on trust, CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, and national bestselling author of The Trust Edge. He is the inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index™ and serves as the director of one of the nation’s foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook™. Horsager has dedicated his […]

  • Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (51)
  • (3)
Kyle and Brent Pease

In a world filled with inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph, the journey of Kyle and Brent Pease stands out as a testament to the power of determination, inclusion, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. These two brothers have defied the odds, surmounting incredible challenges to become an inspiration to countless individuals around the world. […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (51)
Matt Mullenweg

Matt Mullenweg, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been a transformative force in the digital publishing world. His pioneering work in open-source web development has democratized online content creation, empowering millions globally. As a speaker, Matt captivates audiences with his insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. Born on […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (15)
Miyuki

“The Doctor DJ” Miyuki left her career in science to pursue her lifelong passion – music. Now a rising EDM producer and DJ based in Chicago, USA, Miyuki is dedicated to creating music that moves not only the body, but also the heart. Drawing from her experiences of trauma, healing, and love, Miyuki tells her […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Mobile DJ
  • (30)
Winston Ma

Winston Ma, CFA & Esq., is an esteemed figure in the global digital economy, whose multi-faceted career has made him a sought-after speaker, advisor, and thought leader in Chinese economics and global tech investment. His journey spans roles as an investor, attorney, author, and educator, giving him a broad, yet incisive, understanding of the dynamic […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • AI Technology Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel