John Watkis He/Him

Author, voice actor,

Fields of expertise:

Leadership development Black History Month

He is the author of Speaking Notes: The Eight Essential Elements to Make Your Speech Music to Their Ears, a salsa dancing champion, and the first Canadian-born actor to play Mufasa onstage in the Disney musical, The Lion King.

In addition to more than two decades of performing and delivering keynote speeches and workshops for clients in six countries and on three continents, he has written speeches for corporations, government officials, non-profits, professional speakers, and hall-of-fame athletes.

Whether your event is an anniversary celebration, awards ceremony, or annual conference, John will make you look like a star when he stands in the spotlight and takes center stage.

What our clients say about this speaker

I have had the pleasure of hearing John Watkis speak twice now: once on how to create a speech with impact and once on leadership lessons. I was beyond impressed on both occasions! I, a compulsive note-taker, actually put down my pen, listened with rapt attention, and could easily share bullet points and highlights from the presentations with others weeks later. John uses his presence, voice, poignant anecdotes, and eloquent story-building skills to craft a message that consistently has the whole audience nodding along, maybe wiping away a few tears, and discussing it afterwards. Whether you are looking to develop as a speaker or grow as a leader, he is an excellent choice for providing strategies, guidance, and a fantastic learning experience!

Dr. Serena Fisher, PMP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Owner, Optimizing Insight Coaching & Consulting Services

John Watkis is a unique and innovative leader who has been able to share his gifts on some of the top stages as Mufasa in The Lion King. Just as he played the Lion King, he now teaches others how to bring out the legal aspects of their talents and become the King or Queen of their stages. Listen to him, learn from him, and let him help you to grow the greatness that you have inside you.

Dr. Willie Jollie Hall of Fame Speaker Best-Selling Author of “A Setback Is a Setup for a Comeback” and “An Attitude of Excellence”

Working with John has given me the ability to address multiple layers of my keynotes – from content and stories, to delivery and blocking. Part of the value is his expertise and experience; another part is in his energy – patience and calmness. That energy brings out my best and makes for a powerful collaboration.

Dr. Simone Ahuja Keynote Speaking and Best-Selling Author of “Jugged innovation” and “Disrupt It Yourself”

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