John Bobb-Semple: Leadership Culture

John Bobb-Semple a culture strategist and bridge-builder who empowers leaders to transform DEI values into action and build inclusive, connected teams.

Highlights:
  • Culture specialist focused on activating DEI principles through leadership and lived experience
  • Bridge-builder who works with leaders from divergent perspectives to foster mutual understanding and shared growth 
  • Executive role in community health and well-being via Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), Oklahoma’s Blue Zones initiative

Formats:

Keynote (30–60 min), workshop, culture audit session, or panel contributor


Audience:

Senior leaders, HR & DEI practitioners, leadership teams, change agents, public sector and nonprofit organizations


Outcomes:
  1. Learn how to translate ideal DEI language into concrete, everyday behaviors.
  2. Strengthen relational agility — bridging divides and building shared purpose across difference.
  3. Embed leadership habits that align identity, values, and culture for sustainable transformation.
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Edmond, OK
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

The impact of the pandemic will be felt for generations worldwide. The current pace of change and ongoing cultural friction is creating an opportunity for difficult conversations around the virtual water cooler and our dinner tables.

These conversations can result in a desire to “cancel”, confront, or ignore those who see our world differently. 

As professionals navigating the tensions between personal beliefs and experiences and company values, how can we lean in to make positive change in our workplace, families, and communities? 

Session snippets include;

  • Empathy does not require perfection; it requires authenticity and humility.
  • Bridges don’t begin until there is nothing underneath them.
  • On our road toward greater inclusion and diversity, we must remember that there is no change in shame.

John Bobb-Semple will provide internal and interpersonal tools that:

  1. Increase cultural awareness and understanding
  2. Encourage interpersonal growth in a diverse environment
  3. Build bridges to develop an inclusive organizational culture

Session snippets include:

  • “Empathy does not require perfection; it requires authenticity and humility.”
  • “Bridges don’t begin until there is nothing underneath them.”
  • “On our road toward greater inclusion and diversity, we must remember that there is no change in shame.”

Talent Short Bio

John Bobb-Semple is a leadership and culture specialist whose work centers on translating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into sustainable organizational practice. As a “bridge builder,” he collaborates with executives and cross-sector teams to cultivate belonging, trust, and shared purpose. Represented by Hawks Agency, John guides organizations to activate their values, mentor emerging leaders, and close cultural divides.

He also serves as Executive Director of Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), Oklahoma’s first Blue Zones certified community initiative, where he drives health, well-being, and community impact locally while speaking nationally.

John Bobb-Semple is a changemaker who lives to build bridges, innovate, and inspire real impact. A sought-after communicator, John speaks on racial reconciliation, resilience, community engagement, culture and leadership development.

As a Keynote Speaker, John will ignite your passion to enact change.

John is an inspiring speaker who will give you a framework to activate your values, cultivate the leader within, and unify a community to make a difference. He will ignite you and your audience’s passion to enact change!

John leads Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County, a community-wide well-being improvement initiative helping to make healthy choices easier for everyone in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Before joining Blue Zones Project, having served as the Senior Director of Community Impact at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

John Bobb-Semple holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University Central Oklahoma, where today he serves on the Board of Trustees of the UCO Foundation.

Additionally, John Bobb-Semple serves on the DHS Council of Voices and Advancing Oklahoma: A Statewide Conversation on Race advisory committee. As a Keynote Speaker, John will ignite your passion to enact change.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Talent Videos

John Bobb-Semple: Speaker Demo Reel: Building Bridges and Leading with Purpose

In this 2½-minute demo reel, culture strategist and bridge-builder John Bobb-Semple shares his powerful approach to inclusive leadership, purpose-driven connection, and authentic organizational change.

Summary

This dynamic speaker reel showcases John Bobb-Semple’s engaging delivery style and his ability to translate empathy and inclusion into action. The video blends keynote clips, interviews, and audience moments, illustrating his passion for bridging divides and helping leaders turn values into practice.

John opens by defining leadership as a relational act one rooted in trust, curiosity, and courage. Through vivid stories and approachable humor, he connects with audiences on themes of belonging, emotional intelligence, and culture transformation. He emphasizes that inclusion is not a checkbox, but a journey that requires intentional listening and shared accountability.

As the reel progresses, we see examples from his community work and corporate sessions, including initiatives through Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County, where he has led programs to improve health, well-being, and connection. His message underscores that progress happens “one conversation at a time,” and that leaders who commit to empathy and openness create ripple effects far beyond their organizations.

The reel closes with John’s core insight: “Bridges aren’t built in theory — they’re built through relationships.” His authenticity, presence, and optimism make his message deeply resonant across business, community, and education audiences.

Key Moments

  • 00:30 – 01:10: Defining leadership as connection and daily practice
  • 01:10 – 01:50: Inclusion in action — empathy, trust, and belonging
  • 01:50 – 02:20: Community leadership highlights — collaboration and courage
  • 02:20 – 02:35: Closing reflection — building bridges through relationships

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Leadership across difference, inclusive cultures in practice, activating values, relational intelligence, and culture transformation.

John tailors examples and frameworks to your context whether you’re a nonprofit, public institution, or private enterprise ensuring relevance for your values and structural challenges.

His central tenet: “Bridge building is a daily practice, not a one-time event.” People take away that connection, trust, and shared purpose grow when we engage difference with curiosity, humility, and courage.

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

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

Talent FAQ

Leadership across difference, inclusive cultures in practice, activating values, relational intelligence, and culture transformation.

John tailors examples and frameworks to your context whether you’re a nonprofit, public institution, or private enterprise ensuring relevance for your values and structural challenges.

His central tenet: “Bridge building is a daily practice, not a one-time event.” People take away that connection, trust, and shared purpose grow when we engage difference with curiosity, humility, and courage.

View further speakers

  • (51)
DJ Jose T

DJ Jose T is a Professional DJ conducting his entertainment business in the Atlantic County for the last 12 years.  He takes pride in what he does and takes his work seriously because his mission is to go over and above, and exceed his client’s expectations. He enjoys working for special events with anyone, getting […]

  • Travels from: Riverside, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (30)
Chris-Waddell-2

Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]

  • Travels from: Park City, UT
  • Winter Olympians
  • (25)

Andy Peeke, a multifaceted entertainer, has carved his niche in the realms of comedy, event hosting, auctioneering, and game show hosting. With a vibrant career spanning across various entertainment avenues, Andy brings an unparalleled zest and expertise to every stage he graces. From his humble beginnings in stand-up comedy in the bustling streets of New […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
  • (37)
Cirque Mirage

Cirque Mirage, LLC is a full service event entertainment company. We make it fun and easy to book event entertainment for your next event. We understand the importance of streamlining the process of hiring high level circus performers, Aerialists, Acrobatics and more. We  create custom Schedules, costumes, choreography, and management of the event entertainment. We pride […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Speciality Acts
  • (46)
Kym Priess

Kym Priess is an emcee, comedian, actor, songwriter, and acting coach, Kym embodies the essence of entertainment. With her innate talent, she brings joy, creativity, and humor to every event she hosts. Are you in search of an event emcee who can captivate audiences, infuse humor, and ensure an unforgettable experience? Kym Priess | Event […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (40)
Nina Schick

Nina Schick is a globally recognized keynote speaker, author, and leading expert on disinformation, artificial intelligence, and the evolving landscape of global politics. With a keen focus on how emerging technologies are reshaping democracy and international relations, Nina has become a sought-after voice in the intersection of technology, media, and policy. Her insights provide invaluable […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (55)
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)

Lilah Jones was part of the founding sales team that helped build Google Cloud from startup to $106B. She spent nearly a decade introducing Fortune 500 companies to cloud transformation while mastering the art of leading teams through change. After 9 years at Google plus previous experience at Microsoft and Oracle, Lilah left to focus […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Leadership 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

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.