John Westhaver

Keynote Speaker | Victoria, British Columbia

Safety and Resilience Expert
Workplace Safety, Resilience, and Overcoming Adversity Specialist

John Westhaver's Expertise: Leadership, Personal Growth, Resilience & Adversity, Personal Leadership, Peak Performance, Transformation, Stress Management, Adaptability & Agility, Workplace Culture, Resilience & Change, Leadership and Change and Change Management.

John Westhaver

About Speaker John Westhaver

John Westhaver is a Safety and Resilience Expert and keynote speaker who helps organizations strengthen workplace safety, performance, and productivity by addressing the beliefs that influence behaviour. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, he has delivered more than 850 presentations across North America over the past 20 years. After surviving a car crash at eighteen that claimed the lives of three close friends and left him with severe burns, he developed the Learn Heal Grow framework grounded in accepted neuroscience and lived experience. John's clients include major insurers, corporations, and public sector organizations, and he is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Coast Mental Health Courage To Come Back Award.

Courage 2017 Recipient - John Westhaver

Courage 2017 Recipient - John Westhaver

Spiro Talks John Westhaver the Power of Resilience

Spiro Talks John Westhaver the Power of Resilience

John Westhaver Biography

John Westhaver is a Safety and Resilience Expert and keynote speaker who helps companies and individuals examine the beliefs that drive their behaviour. He works with audiences to uncover the default beliefs driving their behaviour, heal what installed them, and grow the new patterns that strengthen safety, performance, and productivity. He is not a motivational speaker. He is a practitioner of his own framework, built from lived experience and refined on himself for more than three decades.

John brings more than 20 years of professional speaking experience and over 850 presentations delivered across Canada, the United States, and through virtual platforms. He developed his craft in front of the toughest audience in the business, rooms full of teenagers who detect performance in seconds and tune out anything that is not real. That foundation produced a speaker who can hold any room, from a high school gymnasium to a mining site to a corporate leadership event. His work now spans four audiences: safety, resilience, education, and one-on-one coaching, all built on the same framework.

His client roster reflects two decades of trust. John has partnered with ICBC since 2002, one of the longest speaker-client relationships in Canadian road safety. He has worked with Manitoba Public Insurance, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Veren Inc., Encana Corp., the Permian Road Safety Coalition, the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association, and the Department of Education for New Brunswick. He has also partnered with the Firefighters’ Burn Fund Victoria since 2001, which has sponsored his school-based road safety and burn awareness work for more than two decades.

John’s approach is grounded in accepted neuroscience and the lived application of his Learn Heal Grow framework. He is clear about what the work is and is not. He is not a licensed clinician, and the framework is educational and developmental rather than therapeutic. That clarity is part of why safety leaders, HR executives, healthcare systems, and school counselors trust him in their rooms.

John’s accomplishments include two national honours. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for significant contribution and achievement in Canada, and the Coast Mental Health Courage To Come Back Award in 2017, one of British Columbia’s highest honours for individuals who have overcome adversity and given back. He has served on the board of the Firefighters’ Burn Fund Victoria since 2010, the Canadian Burn Survivor Community from 2016 to 2021, and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers BC chapter from 2019 to 2022.

His story is the evidence behind the work. In 1994, six weeks before his high school graduation, a car crash killed three of his friends, Jimmy, Jason, and Aaron, and left John with burns over 75 percent of his body. He was eighteen. He lost the future he had planned and had to build a different one. The belief operating in that car was the same belief he now hears in safety meetings, leadership offices, and classrooms across the continent.

John is Mi’kmaq, a band member of Sipekne’katik First Nation. He grew up in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and has lived in Victoria, British Columbia since 2000. He continues to apply the Learn Heal Grow framework to his own life in real time, including as he and his wife Brianna navigate her stage four cancer treatment alongside their three daughters, Abigail, Bridget, and Camilla. The work is not retrospective. It is active.

John Westhaver Topic Presentations

John Westhaver From Victoria, British Columbia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The Lies That Get Us Hurt: Safety, Belief, and the Risk No One Sees

The Cost of Fine: Burnout, Belief, and the Word Quietly Draining Your Culture

Thriving Through the Fire: A Presentation for Students in Grades 7 to 12

The Sky Isn't Falling: A Presentation for Students in Grades 3 to 8

Learn Heal Grow: One-on-one Coaching: Deeper Work for High-functioning People Who Feel Stuck

Interviews
John Westhaver
  • B.c. Man Overcomes 'nightmare' Burns to Create 'dream Come True' Life
  • Survivor Who Lost 3 Friends in Crash Shares Harrowing Story to Save Lives
Podcasts
John Westhaver
  • More than a Survivor Podcast: S1e3: Interview with Dennis Gardin (part 1 of 2)
  • Resilience After Tragedy: John Westhaver's Journey of Survival and Purpose

John Westhaver Speaking Testimonials

"POWERFUL!! As a mother and a health & safety advisor, I found John’s talk riveting and heart-wrenching. Understanding the preciousness of life and what happens in an instant does not define the end, but a beautiful new chapter."

Leslee Momtgomery

Mental Wellness Architect
Humanology Partners

"John’s message rings loud and clear, with both students and adults. From his battle with horrific tragedy to his celebration of an amazing life. His challenge for us to take responsibility for our choices and be the active director of our future is simply inspiring. John’s presentation comes straight from the heart and is received by his audience in the same fashion. Mixing raw emotion with sharp wit and a clear message makes for an amazingly powerful presentation."

Jeff Nelson

Principal
Quispamsis Middle School

"John’s speaking session was immensely moving and personal. As someone who does a lot of driving in both my personal and professional life, there were certainly a lot of important reminders to keep at the forefront of my mind. We are all guilty of days where we feel rushed, grumpy, etc. Where we’ve driven a little too aggressively, a little too fast, or a little too far when we get tired. Thank you so much for sharing your story and having the courage to relive that night, so that you can prevent similar incidents from happening. If you’ve been looking for a speaker to be at your event, look no further. I sincerely cannot recommend John enough!"

Morgan Paulson

NCSO & GSC Safety Professional
Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd.

"Your story was very heart touching and it made me realize that how much we are needed to our family and friends. Especially the part in which you said to put ourselves in your shoes put me in a deep thinking and shock for couple of minutes. It needs a lot of courage for one to come out of that trauma and motivate others to do better everyday, every time they drive. I also shared your story with my family to make them know that how much they matter to me and they always need to be safe while they drive. Your talk is life changing and we take driving risks more often than any other kind, you sharing the story is a symbol of Strength, Motivation, Positive Change and Love for our family and..."

Ann Sandhu

"John’s message was very clear and would benefit anyone who is struggling with some of life’s challenges.  John is a true Survivor and gives back so much to his fellow survivors and for that we are grateful."

Deborah Blaney Ward

"I have seen John present on a few occasions. He spoke at a virtual conference with the Canadian Burn Survivors Community, a virtual session with the Ontario burn group, as well as when he was the keynote speaker at a conference in Winnipeg. Each time was unique, and John challenges the audience to think more critically about their own perspectives. Both virtually and in person, I was thoroughly engaged every time I got to experience John’s presentations. If you want a speaker that is powerful, honest, and thought provoking, I recommend John for your next event!"

Victoria V.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is John Westhaver known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

John Westhaver is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does John Westhaver speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

John Westhaver delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if John Westhaver is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

John Westhaver is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is John Westhaver from and where do they speak across Canada?

John Westhaver is from Victoria, British Columbia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is John Westhaver available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

John Westhaver is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does John Westhaver deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

John Westhaver may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact John Westhaver to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

John Westhaver is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book John Westhaver for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

John Westhaver is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book John Westhaver as a keynote speaker in Canada?

John Westhaver keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire John Westhaver for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire John Westhaver may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book John Westhaver for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

John Westhaver should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is John Westhaver represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

John Westhaver is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More