John Kippen: Inspirational Speaker

Magician, mentalist, and inspirational keynote speaker John Kippen blends illusion and storytelling to teach resilience, leadership, and human connection after overcoming facial paralysis.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Inspirational magician and mentalist with a powerful resilience story
    • Overcame partial facial paralysis after brain tumor surgery
    • Successful CEO of a bi coastal IT support company
    • Corporate keynote speaker on leadership, problem solving, and team building
  • Formats: Magician, Mentalist, and Inspirational Keynote Speaker
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, leadership conferences, educators, school staff, parents, and organizations seeking messages of resilience, connection, and purposeful leadership.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Renewed confidence and resilience in the face of adversity
    2. Practical team building and leadership insights
    3. Stronger communication and deeper human connection
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $5,001 - $10,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

As you watch him perform, you focus on his skills as a performer and his deformity disappears. John’s ultimate illusion.  

John’s speaking engagements are both funny and authentic and audiences walk away being amazed and inspired to find joy in their own lives.  

Using his talents as a magician and master storyteller, he inspires audiences to discover what makes them happy and encourages them to become out-of-the-box thinkers.

People leave his talks with a sense of “Awe and Wonder” while realizing that we all have our own challenges and no one is alone.  We all have unique skills and life experiences who make us who we are. John shows us how to use those skills to be a part of a team.

Talent Short Bio

John Kippen is a magician, mentalist, corporate speaker, and entrepreneur who transforms personal adversity into unforgettable performance experiences. After undergoing successful brain tumor removal surgery in 2002, John was left with partial facial paralysis. Rather than allowing that challenge to define him, he used the art of magic to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his voice.

On stage, audiences quickly move beyond his physical condition and become captivated by his skill, humor, and authenticity. As he performs, the focus shifts from what is different about him to what is extraordinary about him. That transformation becomes part of the lesson. His ultimate illusion is not just sleight of hand. It is perspective.

In corporate settings, John combines magic with practical leadership insights drawn from building and leading a bi coastal IT support company. He shares lessons on resilience, problem solving, team building, and relationship driven leadership. His presentations are interactive, inspiring, and grounded in real world business experience.

John Kippen is a Magician , Mentalist , Corporate Speaker and a master storyteller. He not only entertains, but inspires audiences. John suffered partial facial paralysis after a successful brain tumor removal surgery in 2002.

He demonstrates how performing Magic allowed him to regain his self confidence after his surgery. As you watch him perform, you focus on his skills as a performer and his deformity disappears. John’s ultimate illusion. John’s show is both funny and authentic and audiences walk away being amazed and inspired to find joy in their own lives.

John Kippen is a successful business man and has a bi-coastal I.T. support company. In his Corporate speaking act, he shares his insights on how he has been able to build a company from the ground up and lead others by example. He uses his skills as a magician to entertain while he teaches important fundamentals in team building and improving business relationships.

John Kippen loves working with educators. Our teachers and school staff need to be inspired and reminded about the nobility of their profession. During my educational conference keynotes, I share how a few special educators made a difference in my life and taught me how to be a creative problem solver.

We all need educators that take a special interest in students and guide them through the challenges of school. Educators and staff leave my talks with a renewed sense of purpose and with some new tools that will help them connect with students who are silently crying out for someone to care.

Finally, if you are planning a parent education night, I’d love to be of service! Parents often are tired and frustrated because they have trouble “connecting to their teen.” With insights from my relationship with my own parents, I suggest ways parents can bridge that gap and learn how to communicate better and improve their family dynamic.

John recently spoke at a TEDx conference at UCSD in front of over 600 attendees about how we all should treat people who are different with the respect and compassion they deserve. He inspired the mostly college aged audience to a standing ovation.

John Kippen has studied performance , improvisation and Magic with some of the greats such as Doug Henning, Bob Fitch and Johnny Thompson. He is a regular performer at Hollywood’s Magic Castle and has performed for celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Guest, Orson Bean, Steve Martin, Kelsey Grammar to name a few.

Prior to his speaking engagements, John researches the company and tailors his talk so it is relevant to the intended audience.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (26)
  • (4)
Shane Snow: Human Behavior

Shane Snow is a renowned keynote speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed entrepreneur whose expertise in high performance, culture, and teamwork has transformed organizations worldwide. As the co-founder of the content technology company Contently and an acclaimed journalist, Shane’s insights into the dynamics of collaboration and innovation have positioned him as a thought leader in today’s […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Human Values
  • (15)
Wendee Lee Curtis Emcee

Wendee Lee Curtis is a seasoned Broadway performer turned motivational keynote speaker, emcee, and moderator. With over a decade of experience captivating audiences, Curtis has brought her powerful stage presence, magnetic charisma, and expertise in corporate communications to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. A favorite among industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and CrowdStrike, […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Communication Speakers
  • (12)
  • (3)
Wema Hoover

Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (49)
Erica Dhawan

Erica Dhawan stands at the forefront of 21st-century leadership, recognized globally as an authority on teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. With a remarkable blend of insight, expertise, and practical strategies, she guides organizations through the challenges and opportunities of our digital age. Named among the top 50 management thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, Erica Dhawan […]

  • Travels from: Tampa, FL
  • Communication Speakers
  • (14)
Chad Hymas

Chad Hymas is a globally recognized safety keynote speaker whose profound messages of responsibility, leadership, and engagement have transformed individuals and organizations worldwide. His life-altering experience, coupled with his exceptional storytelling ability, makes him a pivotal presence at any event, driving home the importance of workplace safety and personal accountability. Chad Hymas’s journey to becoming […]

  • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Safety Speakers
  • (73)
Anna Kournikova

Professional tennis player and sports speaker Anna Kournikova, known for her beauty and celebrity status, has made her one of the most well known tennis player in the industry. In 2000, Anna was ranked No. 8 in the world and has been named No. 1 in the world in doubles at various points in her […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (21)
Dara Torres-1

Dara Torres is arguably the fastest female swimmer in America. She entered her first international swimming competition at age 14 and competed in her first Olympics a few years later in 1984. At the Beijing Games in 2008, Torres became the oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympics. When she took three silver medals — […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Swimming Legends
  • (15)
  • Featured
Azeem Azhar - Image 02 (January 23, 2026)

Keynote Speaker Azeem Azhar is a world-renowned authority on the intersection of exponential technologies and organizational strategy. Known for his ability to decode complex tech-driven transformations, from artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to climate tech and geopolitics, Azeem equips business leaders with the strategic foresight they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Futurists 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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
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.