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...

  • (30)
Rick Smith Jr

Rick Smith Jr. is a world-class corporate magician, entertainer, and event emcee known for his exceptional ability to captivate audiences with jaw-dropping magic and unparalleled showmanship. With a career spanning over two decades, Rick has become a household name in the world of entertainment, delivering unforgettable performances for corporate events, private gatherings, and prestigious venues […]

  • Travels from: Cleveland, OH
  • Magicians
  • (20)
  • (7)
mike lee

Mike Lee is a globally recognized keynote speaker, internationally sold author, and coach who shares high-performance leadership lessons from inside the hearts and minds of the NBA’s elite. With over 15 years of experience working with basketball’s top 1%, including NBA MVPs Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, Mike has cultivated a deep understanding of the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (31)
  • (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
  • (33)
Alexandra Carter - Image 08 (January 27, 2026)

Alexandra Carter is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School. In 2019, Professor Carter was awarded the Columbia University Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching, Columbia’s highest teaching honor. Her first book, Ask for More: Ten Questions to Negotiate Anything, was published by Simon & Schuster on […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Negotiation Speakers
  • (13)
Robyn O’Brien

Robyn O Brien leverages her expertise to guide businesses of all sizes through the evolving demands of 21st-century consumers. With a profound understanding of the intersection between food, health, and business, Robyn has become a renowned figure globally, reshaping corporate strategies and advocating for a healthier, more sustainable future. Recognized as one of the foremost […]

  • Travels from: Boulder, CO
  • Business Speakers
  • (43)
Dina Demetrius

Dina Demetrius has spent over two decades at the forefront of broadcast journalism and live event hosting, making her one of the most experienced professionals in the industry. As a well-respected news anchor and correspondent, she has graced major networks, including CBS News, PBS, and others, delivering top-tier journalism with poise and professionalism. Her rich […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (119)
Kemba Smith Pradia

Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation. Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (84)
Dr. Rebecca Heiss - Image 05 (January 23, 2026)

Dr. Rebecca Heiss is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author, and expert in evolutionary biology who brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to leadership, communication, and workplace culture. With a background in research and a passion for making science accessible and applicable to everyone, Dr. Heiss is on a mission to empower organizations to thrive […]

  • Travels from: Greenville, SC
  • Workplace Wellness
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.