Spencer West

Speaker Bio

The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumph. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five and coming out as gay at the age of 21, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate in a world set against the queer community and those with disabilities.

As a renowned global keynote speaker, content creator, and activist, Spencer West leaves an indelible mark. Notable achievements include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and wheelchair, opening for Demi Lovato on a World Tour, and starring in the documentary “Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West” a Toronto International Film Festival debut. His bestselling book, “Standing Tall: My Journey” showcases his resilience, his online presence with over 4 million TikTok followers and his character in the Murdoch Mysteries, underscore his diverse talents.

Spencer’s exclusive interview with Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, during Apple’s It’s Glowtime September 2024 product launch, set the stage for an inspiring conversation about accessibility and technology. As a globally recognized motivational speaker and advocate, Spencer’s unique perspective as a double amputee brought powerful perspectives into how one of the world’s largest companies is making strides in creating more inclusive, accessible products for all.

Spencer’s media presence is extensive, and includes ABC News, Buzzfeed, 60 Minutes, BBC News, TMZ, CNN, Forbes, Men’s Health and more. His impactful talks alongside luminaries such as former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore, Mia Farrow, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Hudson, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have inspired millions.

Spencer’s enduring message instills hope, empowers leaders, and motivates others to create a world where redefining possible is not just a goal but a way of life.

Speaker Topics

Redefine Possible: Lessons for Tackling Mountains in Your Personal and Professional World

Spencer West invites audiences to experience the transformation that can occur when we “redefine possible”. With his trademark humor and humility, Spencer spins a spellbinding story of the challenges he faced after losing his legs from the pelvis down at age five, and the journey of discovery that ultimately enabled him to summit Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and wheelchair.

Spencer applies the insights gleaned from a lifetime of overcoming obstacles to help leaders and employees identify their own roadblocks and push past them. His inspiring message and tangible life lessons motivate business audiences to believe they can tackle any goal, whether personal or professional.

Spencer will cover:

>Key lessons he has learned throughout his life and how they can be applied both personally & professionally
>The importance of obstacles and how they are an integral part of our growth as individuals and as employees
>The importance of asking for help and why it is such an important skill for all leaders to practice and demonstrate
>How we all have the capacity to create value both at home, in our communities, and in the workplace

Leveraging Talent with Disabilities (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility)

The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumph. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate in a world set against those with disabilities.

From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to climbing the workforce ladder, Spencer shares his insights on how bringing in talent with disabilities can have a very positive impact on your employees and customers.

Spencer will cover:

>His own journey as someone with a disability and the challenges he has faced in the work force
>What is ableism and what does it look like?
>The myths and stereotypes that keep employers from hiring folks with disabilities
>Tangible takeaways that employers and businesses can implement to start leveraging talent with disabilities

Leveraging Disabled & 2SLGBTQ+ Talent (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility)

Join Spencer West in this thought provoking and genuinely enlightening presentation where he will discuss the importance of leveraging talent with disabilities as well as the queer community and how both identities are necessary in the workforce.

From climbing the workforce ladder to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Spencer shares his insights on how bringing in talent with disabilities and the queer community can have a positive impact on your employees and clients.

Spencer will cover:

>His own journey as someone that identifies as gay and disabled and the challenges, he has faced in the work force
>What is ableism and what does it look like?
>The myths and stereotypes that keep employers from hiring folks with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community
>Tangible takeaways that employers and businesses can implement to start leveraging talent with disabilities & the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Testimonials

We already knew he would be a great speaker, but our expectations were exceeded. Personally, it was also just really an honour to have the opportunity to meet Spencer. Everyone enjoyed and everyone was inspired- goal achieved.

Your personal story touched everyone and your call to action at the end was perfect! . . . I’ve received so much positive feedback following the breakfast; everyone loved meeting you and many have commented that now they feel even more compelled to continue with their volunteer work. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

When I approached Spencer I was scared he might not understand my excitement. . . but he welcomed me with open arms and as I sat in the front row tears streamed down my face. . . . I have always been a leader, but on Friday I learnt what it meant to be bigger than myself. . . . I can change the world.