W Mitchell

Biography

W Mitchell once guided passengers up the famous hills of San Francisco, as a strong and entertaining cable-car gripman. Amazingly, the same scenario holds true today! As an award winning keynote speaker, he now guides audiences uphill and inspires them to take responsibility for life's inevitable challenges and to embrace the power of taking charge. As Mitchell so convincingly states, "It's not what happens to you. It's what you do about it." Why Mitchell? Undefeated by a blazing motorcycle accident and a paralyzing plane crash four years later, he learned to take responsibility for the countless changes in his life. Whether coping with devastating burns over 65% of his body or being sentenced to life in a wheelchair, this once robust Marine firmly held on to his feisty nature and quick wit. It was "his" uphill journey and he was determined to maintain control, cope with the changes, and prosper. Without a doubt, Mitchell understands what it takes to rebuild and eventually reach the top. His life clearly illustrates his philosophy -- that most limitations are self-imposed. Today, as an international keynote speaker, Mitchell captivates and stuns audiences with his story and then calmly empowers them to accept challenges, embrace change and take action – not only at work but also in everyday life. His tenacity and credibility are indisputable as he so obviously lives his message. No one goes away unaffected as Mitchell proves that unexpected changes can become exciting new starting points. "Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do. Now there are 9,000. I can either dwell on the 1,000 I've lost or focus on the 9,000 I have left." W Mitchell shares his unforgettable story and proven strategies with corporations and associations throughout the world, including multiple visits to the White House, Canada, South Africa, China, New Zealand, Australia and Europe. Each speech is filled with warmth, good humor, and wisdom. Everyone leaves inspired and encouraged to take action regardless of the obstacles! Imagine the impact of these same words on your organization as he eloquently and compassionately guides each person "uphill" through their challenges. If Mitchell can achieve more through change and soar to the top, so can you and your organization. Achievements that followed Mitchell's accidents: -Founding chairman of Vermont Castings – a $65 million company that put thousands of people to work manufacturing wood burning stoves and fireplaces. -Internationally acclaimed mayor of Created Butte, Colorado who "saved a mountain" from one of the world's largest and most aggressive mining companies. He successfully served two terms. -A Congressional nominee from Colorado whose campaign motto was "Oh, Yes We Can". -A conservation leader and respected environmentalist who repeatedly testified before Congress. He served as co-chairman of the National Parks Conservation Association and on the boards of the American Wildlands and the Friends of the Earth organizations. -He appeared before Congress not only for conservation issues but also on behalf of Historic Preservation and the American with Disabilities Act. -Having already attended the University of Hawaii and San Francisco State University, he went on to earn an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. -A popular television personality and radio host, who makes guest appearances throughout the world. -Having earned commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings before the accidents, he continues his love of piloting airplanes. -His passion for outdoor adventure found him not only sky diving but also white water rafting on the biggest and wildest rapids of the American west, including the treacherous Lava Falls of the Grand Canyon. -Inducted into the National Speakers Association's CPAE Hall of Fame for excellence on the platform. He also earned his CSP Certified Speaking Professional designation based on proven experience as a speaker. -2008-2009 president of the International Federation of Professional Speakers. -The first person in the world to receive the highest certification for professional speaking in both North America and Australia.

Publications

Mitchell not only inspires and motivates, he touches lives in a way few can. The motivational section of most bookstores is loaded with stories of triumph over adversity, but an evening curled up in your living room with Mitchell will ignite a spark you probably never knew existed. In "It's Not What Happens to You, It's What You Do About It", Mitchell recounts his survival and rehabilitation from not one, but two horrific accidents. The first left him burned over 65% of his body, including his face, arms, and hands. A plane crash four years later left him paralyzed from the waist down, sentencing him permanently to a wheelchair. Surprisingly, though, his story is not one of healing and moving on, but the story of taking action--of embracing responsibility for not only one's own life, but for the world itself. Mitchell's book reads easily and comfortably. If you are fortunate enough to kick back in your favorite easy chair for a quiet evening of reading, you'll feel more like you're having a good friend over for a conversation than a deep philosophical literary session. Mitchell's humor, wisdom, and unique outlook on the challenges of life are absorbed into his story in a way which can't help but leave an indelible mark on the reader. But be warned: although reading Mitchell's book may sound like an opportunity for quiet escape, it is not for the "righteous" among us who feel comfortable enough with their lives. You will not be able to close the book without recommitting your own life to expending even more energy on positive action. Physical disabilities aside, Mitchell is a man who challenges mediocrity and its excuses so effectively that one dares not ever settle again. His continual message and the title of his book, "It's Not What Happens To You, It's What You Do About It", is directed at anyone who has ever claimed defeat before trying, not just those who face physical challenges. As if to defy inaction and to challenge your comfort level, Mitchell states: "The key for all of us who want to make a difference is to act. To do something. Anything. That's the key that will unlock the door to a future unimagined by so many people. Sometimes...we feel powerless, unable to do anything. Just one act, anything you can think of, can restart your engine." "Just because you're out of work doesn't mean you can't begin a physical fitness program. Just because you're out of love doesn't mean you can't improve your job skills. By getting better in one area, you'll help your self-esteem, which may unlock the door to new relationships, and perhaps point yourself in a new direction. Is it easy? Perhaps not. But as someone has said, 'Easy doesn't do it.'" It is after his recovery from these two life-threatening events that Mitchell's triumph begins. Success in business, politics and life formed the base for a career in motivational speaking, and Mitchell now travels the world igniting sparks wherever he goes. The National Speakers Association has awarded Mitchell the Council of Peers Award for Excellence. It is the highest recognition in professional speaking, and yet this award can't express his impact on those he speaks to as well as his audiences themselves. Regardless of the venue, Mitchell leaves few eyes dry, no heart untouched, and few souls willing to go home the same as when they arrived.

Titles

"It's Not What Happens to You, It's What You Do About It" With warmth and wisdom, W Mitchell recaps the precise moments that instantly erased and rewrote the course of his life. From a fiery motorcycle accident that left him burned over 65% of his body, to the airplane crash that took away his ability to walk, Mitchell steadily rebuilt his life. He learned to work through the painful challenges and the devastating losses. He found new ways of facing everyday challenges with courage, determination, and good humor. This seemingly hopeless story evolved into an amazing life of achievement that has inspired audiences throughout the world. Mitchell reveals the core beliefs and proven strategies that lead to his personal and professional successes. He proves to audiences that setbacks can be transformed into new starting points and that we all must take responsibility for the changes in our life. Not only will he demonstrate what it takes, but he will provide the necessary tools that can be used to improve the quality of your unique situation. • Put yourself and others back in charge. • Be empowered to take action based on Mitchell's compelling examples. • Understand that most limitations are self imposed and it's time to move past them. • Learn to take responsibility for change and master adversity. • Learn to think and act creatively. • Gain a new perspective on seemingly impossible situations. • Feel the joy of living at your best regardless of the challenges. • Experience a renewal of both mind and spirit and be inspired to achieve greatness. "Leadership: Leading with Courage" The willingness to take responsibility is the mark of a leader. The person who recognizes that how we respond and how we choose to respond to a situation, serves as a powerful example for the organization. Showing courage is what W Mitchell's life is all about. By being someone who has not let life's detours determine his course, Mitchell is highly regarded as a leader in business, government and in non-profits. He demonstrates by his life and through his conversations with audiences, the power of choosing your responses. People come away with new insights and tools to help lead others. Other programs considerations... General topic areas that can be emphasized within his speech include change, leadership, challenges, adversity, attitude, success, empowerment, burnout…and so much more. Mitchell will work closely with your group to design a presentation that meets your precise needs and fits the theme of your meeting.