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
- Audiences:
Senior leaders, HR & DEI practitioners, leadership teams, change agents, public sector and nonprofit organizations
- Outcomes:
- Learn how to translate ideal DEI language into concrete, everyday behaviors.
- Strengthen relational agility — bridging divides and building shared purpose across difference.
- Embed leadership habits that align identity, values, and culture for sustainable transformation.
- Travels from: Edmond, OK
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Keynote Topics
WHY IT MATTERS
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.
SHAPING SOLUTIONS
John Bobb-Semple will provide internal and interpersonal tools that:
- Increase cultural awareness and understanding
- Encourage interpersonal growth in a diverse environment
- 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.
Read Full Bio
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.
Read Summary & Key Moments
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
No reviews available for this post.
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!
View further speakers
- (3)
DJ Broadband, born and raised in Uganda and now proudly based in Minnesota, is a masterful entertainer who has brought his global musical influence to the heart of the Midwest. With years of experience and a passion for connecting people through music, DJ Broadband has become one of Minnesota’s most well-known and respected DJs. His […]
- Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
- Mobile DJ
Toto Wolff is the Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and one of motorsport’s most influential leaders. An Austrian investor and entrepreneur with experience in international GT racing, Wolff blends elite sport insight with rigorous business discipline. Under his stewardship, Mercedes achieved an unprecedented run of success: eight straight Constructors’ Championships […]
- Travels from: Vienna, Austria
- Motor Racing Speakers
- (33)
Meet with a performer as they pour your drink from the sky with Aerial Champagne Serving. We can fit our free standing rigging system or our no rigging required Freestanding base. We have multiple apparatuses that we can serve from to fit your event style (ex.) freestanding Lyra, Freestanding Chandelier act, Giant Champagne Glass, and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Aerial Performers
- (28)
For over 25 years, Kristin Arnold has helped over a hundred different organizations, facilitated over four hundred executives and their teams, and presented to over a half a million people around the world around the topics of team leadership, team work, collaboration, culture, and critical thinking. Whether your meeting is completely online or a “hybrid” […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Communication Speakers
- (33)
Kien Vuu, MD, popularly known as Doctor V is an assistant professor of Health Sciences at UCLA, speaker, media expert, founder of VuuMD Performance and Longevity, and best-selling author of Thrive State: Your Blueprint for Optimal Health, Longevity, and Peak Performance. Dr. V has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and combines his knowledge […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Healthcare Speakers
- (13)
Elatia Abate is an entrepreneur with a mission to revolutionize leadership to empower humanity in the Age of AI. Named a Forbes leading female futurist, she is a globally recognized expert on the futures of work and strategy and currently serves as Futurist in Residence for Paylocity. Her Future-Led Leadership learning and development content has […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Futurists Speakers
- (28)
- (8)
Stephen Drum is a highly regarded leadership and peak performance speaker, renowned for his extraordinary career as a Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of combat-tested experience. As a distinguished figure in leadership development, Drum brings unparalleled expertise and insights to organizations and individuals seeking to excel in high-pressure environments. His transformative approach to […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (39)
- (6)
Kate Vitasek is a distinguished authority in collaborative business relationships, renowned for her pioneering work in transforming traditional business models into cooperative partnerships that drive innovation and mutual success. Her groundbreaking “Vested” business model has redefined how organizations approach outsourcing and strategic alliances, emphasizing a “What’s-in-it-for-We” philosophy that fosters shared value and long-term sustainability. Recognized […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Culture 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.
