W Mitchell: Motivational Speaker

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • It’s Not What Happens To You… It’s What You Do About It: This powerful message is at the heart of Mitchell’s speeches.
  • Overcame Extreme Adversity: W. Mitchell is a true testament to resilience. After surviving two life-altering accidents—a motorcycle crash that left him severely burned and a plane crash that left him paralyzed—Mitchell turned his challenges into incredible life lessons.
  • Proven Leadership: A successful businessman and leader, Mitchell helped shape the economic landscape of his community. He played a key role in reviving a struggling town in Colorado, and his career spans ventures in both business and public service. 
  • Global Speaker: W. Mitchell has spoken to audiences in over 30 countries, inspiring people from all walks of life to take control of their future and lead with resilience. His unique blend of personal stories and actionable insights has earned him a place among the most sought-after keynote speakers worldwide.

Formats:

Audiences:

Outcomes:
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: San Francisco, California
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

With warmth and wisdom, W Mitchell recaps the precise moments that instantly erased and rewrote the course of his life. From a fiery motorcycle accident that left him burned over 65% of his body, to the airplane crash that took away his ability to walk, Mitchell steadily rebuilt his life. He learned to work through the painful challenges and the devastating losses. He found new ways of facing everyday challenges with courage, determination, and good humor. This seemingly hopeless story evolved into an amazing life of achievement that has inspired audiences throughout the world.

Mitchell reveals the core beliefs and proven strategies that lead to his personal and professional successes. He proves to audiences that setbacks can be transformed into new starting points and that we all must take responsibility for the changes in our life. Not only will he demonstrate what it takes, but he will provide the necessary tools that can be used to improve the quality of your unique situation.

  • Put yourself and others back in charge. 
  • Be empowered to take action based on Mitchell’s compelling examples. 
  • Understand that most limitations are self-imposed and it’s time to move past them. 
  • Learn to take responsibility for change and master adversity. 
  • Learn to think and act creatively. 
  • Gain a new perspective on seemingly impossible situations. 
  • Feel the joy of living at your best regardless of the challenges. 
  • Experience a renewal of both mind and spirit and be inspired to achieve greatness.

The willingness to take responsibility is the mark of a leader. Showing courage is what W Mitchell’s life is all about. By being someone who has not let life’s detours determine his course, Mitchell is highly regarded as a leader in business, government and in non-profits.

He demonstrates by his life and through his conversations with audiences, the power of choosing your responses. People come away with new insights and tools to help lead others.

W Mitchell once guided passengers up the famous hills of San Francisco, as a strong and entertaining cable-car gripman. Amazingly, the same scenario holds true today! As an award-winning keynote speaker, he now guides audiences uphill and empowers them to take responsibility for life’s inevitable challenges and to embrace the power of taking charge. As W. Mitchell so convincingly states, “It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do about it.”

Undefeated by a blazing motorcycle accident and then a paralyzing plane crash four years later, W Mitchell learned to take responsibility for the countless changes in his life. Whether coping with devastating burns over 65% of his body or being sentenced to life in a wheelchair, this once robust Marine firmly held on to his feisty nature and quick wit.

It was “his” uphill journey and he was determined to maintain control, cope with the changes, and prosper. Without a doubt, W. Mitchell understands what it takes to rebuild and eventually reach the top. His life clearly illustrates his philosophy — that most limitations are self-imposed.

W Mitchell | Inspirational Speaker

Step by step, W Mitchell moved forward with his life. He became an internationally acclaimed mayor “who saved a mountain”, a successful businessman who put thousands of people to work, a congressional nominee from Colorado, and a respected environmentalist and conservationist who repeatedly testified before Congress.

His accomplishments have received media recognition in North America on Good Morning America, The Today Show, NBC Nightly News and their counterparts around the world. W. Mitchell has been a radio and television host, a successful author, an award winning international keynote speaker and the subject of a recent television special.

Today, as an international keynote speaker, W. Mitchell captivates and stuns audiences with his story and then calmly empowers them to accept challenges, embrace change and take action – not only at work but in everyday life. His tenacity and credibility are indisputable as he so obviously lives his message.

No one goes away unaffected as W. Mitchell proves that unexpected changes can become exciting new starting points. “Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do. Now there are 9,000. I can either dwell on the 1,000 I’ve lost or focus on the 9,000 I have left.”

W Mitchell shares his unforgettable story and proven strategies with corporations and associations throughout the world…in North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. W. Mitchell has met with presidents and prime ministers, CEOs, managers, and workers with a message filled with warmth, good humor and wisdom.

People leave inspired and encouraged to take action regardless of the obstacles! Imagine the impact of these same words on your organization as W. Mitchell eloquently and compassionately guides each person “uphill” through their challenges.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent Resources

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...

  • (28)
Mariana Atencio

Mariana Atencio is a dynamic force in the world of journalism, renowned for her insightful reporting, captivating storytelling, and empowering message of authenticity. As a Peabody award–winning journalist, author, and speaker, Mariana has garnered widespread acclaim for her ability to navigate complex global issues with compassion and clarity. Her unwavering commitment to truth-telling and her […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (98)
Richard Fowler

Richard Fowler is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Richard Fowler Show, a Fox News Channel contributor and democratic messaging and millennial engagement expert. Positioned at the intersection of news, politics and the cultural issues facing everyday Americans, Richard’s fresh style and non-traditional spin on populism have taken audiences by storm. He pushes all […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Journalism Speakers
  • (13)
Shayla-Rivera-1

Shayla Rivera is a remarkable fusion of intellect, humor, and inspiration. Transitioning from a successful career as a NASA aerospace engineer to becoming an international keynote speaker, comedian, and educator, she exemplifies the power of adaptability and passion. Her journey from the technical corridors of NASA to the dynamic stages of motivational speaking and comedy […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • STEM Speakers
  • (9)
Claudia Romo Edelman - A LA LATINA

Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, known for her passionate leadership in advancing social causes on a global scale. As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, Claudia has dedicated her career to promoting unity, empowering underrepresented communities, and championing Hispanic voices around the world. With over […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (53)
Afua Hirsch

Afua Hirsch is a prominent figure in journalism and broadcasting, known for her insightful reporting and engaging presentations. Currently serving as a journalist and presenter at Sky News, Afua is a familiar face on programs such as Sky News World News and Sunrise. As the Social Affairs Editor, she delves into a diverse array of […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Journalism Speakers
  • (6)
Arlan Hamilton | Your First Million | raise startup capital - Arlan Hamilton - Your First Million Podcast

Arlan Hamilton is a trailblazing entrepreneur who defies the odds and inspires countless individuals with her remarkable journey. Rising from homelessness to becoming a prominent figure in the venture capital industry, she is the epitome of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in her vision. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, Arlan has […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (37)
  • (3)
Jim O’Neill

Jim O Neill is a distinguished economist and former Commercial Secretary to the UK Treasury, recognized globally for his significant contributions to economic research and policy. Serving in the UK Treasury from 2015 to 2016, O’Neill played a pivotal role in shaping economic strategy during a critical period for the UK. His deep understanding of […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Finance Speakers
  • (64)
Jen Shirkani

For over two decades, Jen Shirkani has been helping leaders see what they can’t see. As a nationally recognized expert on emotional intelligence, she’s worked with organizations across the globe—from Fortune 50 companies to fast-growing startups, government agencies, and top-tier universities. Through her engaging keynotes, executive coaching, and bestselling books (Ego vs. EQ and Choose […]

  • Travels from: Mesa, AZ
  • Emotional Intelligence
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

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.