Josh Sundquist: Motivational Paralympian
Paralympian, cancer survivor, and bestselling author who transforms adversity into unforgettable lessons on resilience, creativity, and courage.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Childhood cancer to Paralympian
- 1+ billion viral views
- Emmy-winning Apple TV+ show
- Formats: Keynote talks, motivational sessions, leadership conferences, virtual events
- Audiences: Corporates, educators, healthcare, youth organizations, associations
- Outcomes:
- Rekindle adaptability through humor and self-belief.
- Build resilience by celebrating incremental progress.
- Bring empathy to leadership through lived vulnerability.
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
1MT1MT: ONE MORE THING, ONE MORE TIME
Josh shares how his training motto—One More Thing, One More Time—carried him from cancer and amputation to Paralympic skiing, bestselling books, and Apple TV+. It’s a hilarious, heart-wrenching, and surprisingly practical exploration of what it means to be—and to thrive as—a human.
Part masterclass in resilience, part strategy session, Josh blends comedy, storytelling, and interactive moments to deliver a powerful message about “adaptive resilience” in the face of challenge. Josh delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave your audiences gasping for air—from laughter, from awe, from the sheer audacity of hope. Your team will be uplifted by hard-won insight and empowering humor. They will go home feeling connected to deep wells of inner courage, ready to conquer their own mountains.
Talent Short Bio
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller, and electrifying motivational speaker. At the age of nine, he lost his left leg to cancer, yet persisted to become a member of the U.S. Paralympic ski team. His best-selling memoir, Just Don’t Fall, and his memoir-based Apple TV+ series Best Foot Forward, chronicle his extraordinary journey with heart, humor, and humility.
Josh’s viral storytelling backed by over a billion views across platforms melds stand-up comedy with poignant reflection, earning him recognition as a leader in adaptive resilience. Over the years, he has addressed audiences ranging from The White House and Fortune 500 companies to schools, delivering customized keynotes under his mantra “1MT1MT” (One More Thing, One More Time). He delivers with warmth, laughter, and clarity, showing how courage and humor can transform adversity into opportunity.
Read Full Bio
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller whose videos have generated over one billion video views. He inspires audiences to live by his mantra 1MT1MT (One More Thing, One More Time).
Your attendees will leave energized and equipped to:
- Foster forward-thinking amid market volatility
- Rebound from disappointment
- Do 1MT1MT to embrace transformation
- Keep a growth mindset—and a sense of humor
Josh collaborates closely with your planning team to customize each keynote to your audience, event theme, and company culture. He blends clean stand-up comedy with soulful storytelling and research-backed takeaways. Hilarious audience interactions are punctuated by moments of profound reflection. It’s a roller-coaster experience of laughter, insight, and inspiration.
Audiences leave with renewed resolve to overcome both personal and professional challenges. They gain a fresh perspective on grit, gratitude, and potential. Josh Sundquist’s message of 1MT1MT becomes a lasting internal mantra. Months and even years later, attendees quote the keynote and apply its lessons with their teams. It’s an experience they’ll never forget.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Talent Videos
Josh Sundquist – Motivational Keynote Highlights
Josh delivers a dynamic mix of humor and inspiration, weaving personal stories, resilience frameworks, and audience laughter into a keynote that sticks.
Video Summary & Key Moments
- Humor & Creativity: Shares inventive Halloween costumes, proving that constraints spark creativity rather than limit it.
- Resilience Mantra: Introduces his motto 1MT1MT (“one more thing, one more time”), encouraging audiences to keep pushing beyond setbacks.
- Olympic Dream: Recounts his journey from amputation at nine years old to marching in the Paralympic Games wearing the red, white, and blue of Team USA.
- Facing Change: Redefines setbacks as opportunities, framing them as “adaptive resilience.”
- Humor About Hair Loss: Lightens the room with jokes about aging and hair loss, tying it back to gratitude for survival and growth.
- Key Challenge: Encourages people to tackle their hardest tasks first—“worst first”—to build strength and momentum.
- AI & Humanity: Explains how technology (like his AI-controlled leg) makes him more human, not less, because it makes him a better father.
- Representation: Shares the importance of visibility for people with disabilities—being the role model he never had as a child.
- Final Inspiration: Reflects on his childhood amputation and the advice he’d give his 9-year-old self: “No matter how many times you fall down, just keep getting back up.”
Key Moments
0:00 – 1:15: Creative Halloween costumes as a metaphor for reframing constraints
1:20 – 3:00: The 1MT1MT motto and Paralympic journey
3:05 – 5:30: Adaptive resilience + “worst first” principle
5:35 – 7:30: Humor about aging, hair loss, and gratitude for survival
7:35 – 9:00: Technology & AI leg → how tools enhance humanity
9:05 – 10:30: Representation and pride in being “the same sort of different”
10:35 – End: Emotional closing: advice to his younger self + audience testimonials
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent Resources
Download Talent Files
Download Talent Files
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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...
- (36)
Adam Christing has earned his place among the elite in the realm of after-dinner and corporate speaking, consistently ranking within the top 5 in America. As highlighted by SUCCESS magazine, his entrepreneurial prowess has been recognized, cementing his status as one of the nation’s most successful young entrepreneurs. What sets Adam apart is his unparalleled […]
- Travels from: Brevard, NC
- Motivational Speakers
- (38)
Julie Holmes is a trailblazer in the world of technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. With an infectious enthusiasm, sharp wit, and unparalleled expertise, Julie has cemented her status as a leading voice in enterprise technology and startup ecosystems. Over a distinguished 25-year career, Julie has evolved from a tech enthusiast to a revered inventor, tech […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Artificial Intelligence
- (60)
- (2)
Courtney Caldwell is a dynamic and innovative force in the beauty-tech industry, serving as the Cofounder & CEO of ShearShare, the largest provider of on-demand salon and barbershop space rentals and the most affordable leases in the market. With a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for transforming the beauty industry, Courtney has built a […]
- Travels from: Buffalo, NY
- Entrepreneurship
- (9)
Jon Petz is a motivational speaker, author, and performance expert who captivates audiences with his unique blend of powerful storytelling, energy, and humor. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate and events industry, Jon has helped thousands of individuals and organizations discover their true potential, pushing them to achieve extraordinary results in their […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Motivational Speakers
- (9)
Kerri Strug vaulted into Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With the world watching, she executed a near-flawless vault on an injured ankle, securing the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Her determination and resilience in that defining moment made her an American hero, […]
- Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
- Summer Olympians
- (31)
- (3)
Nikki Greenberg is a globally renowned real estate futurist whose insights are revolutionizing the way we think about the urban landscapes of tomorrow. As a leading authority in real estate innovation, she combines a profound understanding of emerging trends with a forward-thinking vision to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the cities of the future. […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Futurists Speakers
- (30)
Rick Lewis’s journey into the world of professional speaking and entertainment began with a passion for performance. He started as a street performer, mastering the art of captivating audiences with his charisma and humor. This early experience laid the foundation for his future success as a speaker and entertainer. Rick Lewis | Motivational Speaker As […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (21)
Colonel Mike Mullane has established himself as an acclaimed professional speaker on the topics of teamwork, leadership and safety. He has educated, entertained, inspired and thrilled tens of thousands of people from every walk of business and government with his incredibly unique programs. Colonel Mullane was born September 10, 1945 in Wichita Falls, Texas but […]
- Travels from: Albuquerque, NM
- Aviation Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
