WARREN MACDONALD: MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Recent appearances on Larry King and OPRAH

	Warren Macdonald ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS

It is difficult to sum up in a few words the positive feedback we received from Warren’s presentation and the lasting “can do” impression his story has left with us. We were taken by the manner in which he retold his story and how he proved that although overcoming our own obstacles may be a personal challenge the results will affect many. And whether you encounter these obstacles on your way up the mountain or on your way to the boardroom the message remains the same: “Never, ever give up."

Warren is an inspiring speaker and a profoundly positive person with an extraordinary story to tell. He spoke to our Leadership group with passion and professionalism. He took the time to learn about our organization and understood our business goals, linking his experiences with the challenges we face in order to show us just what is possible when we face our fears and act with intent.

Warren’s story, told in a unique, captivating style provided lessons of lasting value that we continue to reflect on long after hearing him speak.

Thank you Warren, for leaving us with such an encouraging and positive sense of realisation that we can succeed, even when confronted with obstacles that at first appear to be insurmountable.

Marissa Poratto Cleghorn Manager, Business Research MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates 13800 Commerce Parkway Richmond BC V6V 2J3

On May 26 and June 2, 2003 it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Warren Macdonald as the keynote speaker at our company retreat. Warren’s comfortable speaking style and sense of humour held the audience’s attention as he walked us through the accident that caused him to lose both legs and change his life forever.

Warren has had a longstanding passion for the environment, the outdoors, hiking, and bushwalking. The accident that took his legs also threatened to take the lifestyle he had grown to love. Where others may have chosen to give up, believing that their passion had been stolen from them forever, Warren chose instead to challenge the universe that had dealt him an unfair and undeserved blow. Through his indomitable spirit, his strong will, and his courage he chose not only to survive but to overcome. The word inspiration has become all too cliché these days. Warren can far better be described as a goal setter extraordinaire, a conqueror, an achiever, and an accomplishment personified.

Warren was a delight and a professional to work with. He asked pertinent questions about our company culture and the business challenges that we faced, working all of these into his presentation. We appreciated the time he spent getting to know about our company and our employees. Our organization has been fortunate over the years to see many fine speakers. Warren is one who continues to stand out in the minds of our employees. He received a standing ovation after his presentation and was more than willing to spend time speaking individually with each person who approached him. I can sum up the employee response with a comment from one of our long-term employees who said, “On a scale of 1 to 10, Warren was a 20. This is a presentation and a life lesson that I will never forget!”.

I highly recommend Warren as a keynote speaker for any organization. For those that may be facing hurdles that seem insurmountable, Warren will be the key that opens the door to what is possible when you confront challenges and move forward with determination and resolve.

Laurie Watters-Smith Human Resources Coordinator Alberta Envirofuels Inc. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Many of us have not thought about what we would do if our life took a sudden turn that would change us forever. Through his captivating speaking abilities, Warren Macdonald gave the National Recreation Park Association (NRPA) an opportunity to see into the world of someone that has been faced with this challenge… and how he decided to conquer it.

As Warren explained to the audience about the accident that unfortunately altered him physically, it was apparent that it did not hurt him mentally. In telling his story, Warren passed on a contagious spirit full of energy, a true raw emotion towards life, and reiterated how wonderful life can truly be. Phrases such as “I can’t” were not in Warren’s vocabulary. He explained to us that anyone of us can do anything that we set our mind to. We just have to get motivated and go for it! And most importantly, find the inner confidence and strength to prove that we can do it. As we learned from Warren, you have two options in life: 1) sit back and watch others obtain the dreams that you want to come true for yourself; 2) live life to its fullest and grab hold of the worthwhile opportunities that come your way.

When he awoke from his accident, Warren explained how he had to reach inside himself with a strength he never thought he had. Warren had to muster up the courage and will to face his challenge head on. This larger than life strength that Warren possesses grabbed hold of the audience’s hearts and created a sense of vigor in every one of us. His passion towards life truly makes one want to follow in his footsteps. Having Warren for a role model would be advantageous to any individual because he has the ability to create drive, enthusiasm, and eagerness towards living (and not take anything for granted).

NRPA is genuinely grateful to Warren for presenting at NRPA’s Southern Regional Conference and Trade Show. We cannot thank him enough for sharing his experiences and zeal. I believe that he was able to leave each individual that he spoke to a new outlook on living each and every day to the fullest, and most importantly establishing a confidence within themselves to face life head on… as well as its experiences that come our way.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Griffith, CMP, Meeting Planner Carmela Brittingham, Conference Coordinator National Recreation and Park Association