Survivor
For health and safety and HR professionals looking to instill a culture of responsibility and resilience, John Westhaver's life story serves as a compelling case study. Raised in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, John was a conscientious student and valued his close circle of friends. However, just prior to his high school graduation in 1994, he experienced a tragic event that altered his life's course forever—a devastating car crash caused by reckless driving. Though the driver was sober, the car lost control and hit a telephone pole, leading to the heartbreaking loss of three of John's friends and life-threatening burns on 75% of his body.
Awakening from a month-long coma, John faced the dual challenges of emotional and physical recovery. His journey back to health wasn't merely a fight for survival; it was a formative experience that shaped his perspectives on resilience, safety, and personal responsibility. The hardships he encountered—coupled with his commitment to persevere—catalyzed his resolve to inspire others to make safer and more responsible choices. John's compelling narrative of recovery and transformation is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to fortify their approach to employee well-being and safety. His insights into resilience and responsible decision-making offer a deeply impactful and human-centered approach to these essential workplace qualities. |
Speaker
With over 20 years of experience and 700+ keynotes under his belt, John Westhaver is a proven expert in cultivating resilience, enforcing safety, and instilling a sense of personal responsibility within organizational cultures. Specializing in meeting the needs of Health & Safety and HR professionals, John crafts tailored presentations that resonate with crucial workplace issues.
John's journey into motivational speaking began in Victoria, British Columbia, during his own recovery process from extensive burn injuries. His unique blend of personal experience and professional insights has since earned the trust of key players in the industry—ranging from Firefighters Burn Fund Victoria to Manitoba Public Insurance and S.A.D.D. Leveraging humor and palpable optimism, John ensures each of his talks serve not just as a lecture, but as an unforgettable experience that prompts meaningful change. His presentations delve into vital themes like resilience, workplace safety, and personal responsibility—providing actionable takeaways that can be immediately applied in your organization. Choose John for an impactful session that will leave your teams inspired and transformed. |
Coach
As a seasoned professional focused on enhancing workplace resilience, safety, and personal responsibility, John Westhaver brings an unmatched level of commitment to the field. Not only is he a key volunteer and trained member of the Burn Survivor Group in Victoria, BC, but he also serves as Co-Chair for the Canadian Burn Survivor Community. This national network includes medical professionals, firefighters, and burn survivors and hosts a biennial conference featuring expert insights into burn trauma recovery.
But John's influence goes beyond the conference stage. He also offers individual and group coaching sessions tailored to achieving specific life and professional goals. Whether you're a Health & Safety or HR professional seeking to empower your organization or an individual looking for personalized guidance, John's expertise ensures actionable, life-altering strategies for navigating challenges. His mission is to inspire and enable not just burn survivors, but all individuals and teams, to lead fulfilling, responsible lives—no matter the obstacles they face. |
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