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.
  • Reading Time: 1 min
  • Bio Word Count: 195
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

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!

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

View further speakers

  • (51)
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
  • (107)
DJ Cocoa Chanelle

DJ Cocoa Chanelle is a Black Girls Rock recipient, and award-winning Deejay / On-Air personality with over 16+ years of radio experience in the #1 market in the United States, New York City’s HOT 97, and 7 years of on-air experience with BET Networks as the Deejay for their popular talk show Teen Summit, Making Cocoa the first DJ in history hired as an […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Mobile DJ
  • (9)
Lee Rubin

Lee Rubin is a dynamic keynote speaker, author, and team-building expert who leverages his unique background as a former captain of the Penn State Football Team to inspire and educate organizations on building high-performance teams. With over two decades of experience in leadership development and team dynamics, Lee has become a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporate […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Peak Performance
  • (11)

As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]

  • Travels from: Edmond, OK
  • Culture Speakers
  • (40)
Vivek Wadhwa

Called “Silicon Valley’s most provocative voice” for his ideas on technology trends, globalization, US competitiveness, and the future, Vivek Wadhwa’s work puts him at the heart of innovation. From tech entrepreneur and business owner to accomplished academic and widely published author, he served as a Stanford University research fellow and the Director of Research at […]

  • Travels from: Berkeley, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (43)
  • (3)
Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count…and that she has – not only for herself, but also for the tens of thousands of […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (25)
Joe Cummings

With over 15 years of experience in both live and taped productions, Joe Cummings is a highly skilled MC and Host who brings a unique blend of professionalism, charisma, and improvisational talent to every event he hosts. Joe Cummings | Professional Emcee Experience and Expertise Joe Cummings is not your average event emcee. With a […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (30)
Kate Fagan

Kate Fagan is a celebrated ESPN host, author, and keynote speaker who shines a spotlight on crucial topics within the sports world. Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, she has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, using her experience as both a former collegiate athlete and a prominent […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Mental Health
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.