Inspirational Talent to Motivate You This Week
- By Declan McManus
- Feb 07, 2021
No matter where we are in life, we could all use a little inspiration sometimes. One of the best ways to feel motivated and inspired is to listen to someone else talk about how they overcame their challenges and obstacles to get to where they are now. Engage was founded with the mission of inspiring people and we are proud to have a roster of all-star motivational speakers who have overcome difficult challenges to find success and purpose.
From businesspeople to athletes, we have a variety of motivational speakers to inspire you this week.
Chris Nikic is one of the most inspiring athletes in the world and we are thrilled to have him as part of the Engage family. Chris was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at a young age but has never let any challenges stop him from achieving his goals. Chris is only 21 years old but he became the first person with Down Syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon in 2020. Chris truly is a lesson in hard work and overcoming obstacles and he has many plans to expand his talents, including publishing a book in the near future. Chris is an ideal motivational speaker and he delivers speeches that are inspiring, heart-warming, and actionable.
Shane and Hannah Burcaw are relationship vloggers and a YouTube sensation who are on a mission to change the way society understands disability. Their YouTube channel, Squirmy and Grubs, has garnered 780,000+ subscribers and offers viewers a unique and authentic perspective of what it’s like to be in an interabled relationship. While Shane has a form of muscular dystrophy that requires him to use an electric wheelchair, Hannah is able-bodied and provides the majority of Shane’s daily care. Despite being no different than any other couple, society still has a hard time accepting their relationship.
Shane is the author of several award-winning books about disability and is a renowned public speaker who has performed across the country at places such as Harvard University, Princeton University, and many more. Hannah films and edits the “Squirmy and Grubs” vlog and has spoken at prestigious universities and Fortune 500 companies alike about the realities of ableism.
Eric LeGrand is a former defensive tackle for Rutgers University who became paralyzed in October 2010 while making a tackle. Eric has since regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and is undoubtedly a fighter who has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. During his recovery, he said "it's not even whether you keep breathing, it's whether you keep breathing how you want to breathe." In 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed LeGrand to a symbolic contract as an undrafted free agent by his former Rutgers head coach, Greg Schiano, who has recently taken the helm in Tampa Bay. Since his injury, LeGrand has begun writing and speaking about his experiences highlighting a never say die attitude and teaching people to persevere even when the chances are slim.
Born without legs, many thought Jen Bricker would be destined for a life of hardship. However, with the help of an amazing adoptive family, Jen adopted a "Never say can't" mentality and helped her forge a life of triumph, not tragedy.
As a child, Jen was obsessed with gymnastics, and her idol was Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu. Seemingly against all odds, Jen went on to compete against able-bodied athletes, and became a State Champion in power tumbling—only later to discover Moceanu was actually her biological sister.
Jen's memoir, Everything is Possible, is filled with heart and spirit, as well as her wit, wisdom and no-holds-barred honesty. Everything is Possible is not just an autobiography, and Jen is not just a role-model for anybody facing challenges. For the reader seeking inspiration, illumination, and an uplifting life coach to point the way to purpose and joy, this is the book.
To explore Engage talent as well as our popup events and sweepstakes, visit the Engage website at https://www.letsengage.com/.
