Jacob Thompson Keynote Speaker

Inspirational Author, Award-Winning Recording Artist & Rare Disease Advocate
US Para-Climbing National Finalist
Host of the "Dear Young Athlete" Podcast

Jacob Thompson's Biography

Jacob Thompson is an acclaimed inspirational communicator, award-winning recording artist, US Para-Climbing national finalist, and author of “From Diagnosis To Destiny – Your Trials Aren’t Meant To Break You; They’re Meant To Make You”.

He is an expert at turning trials into triumphs and obstacles into opportunities. Through his story, he inspires people to persevere through their challenges and pursue their purpose.

A devastating diagnosis of Friedreich’s Ataxia provided Thompson with an opportunity to give up on his dreams and on his life in general. Instead, he has allowed his difficult circumstances to guide him into his destiny. His story and inspirational message have reached tens of thousands in person and hundreds of thousands online, cultivating hope and advocating for those impacted by rare disease.

If you are looking for someone to inspire your audience, look no further. Whether universities, corporations, schools, sports teams, churches, conferences, or anywhere else that people gather, Thompson’s message and spoken word performances are sure to make a positive impact and leave a lasting impression.

Climb Higher: Cultivating Resilience to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities

Audiences: Corporate professionals, nonprofit organizations, medical and research fields, educational leaders, conferences, athletics, universities, and youth development programs — customized for your specific audience.

Value: Gain clarity of purpose in your personal and professional life and an elevated perspective on your trials that will unleash optimal performance and fulfillment.

Why do some people set and achieve goals with a great sense of fulfillment while others go through the motions dissatisfied? Why do some fold in the face of adversity while others rise to extraordinary heights? Life throws punches that hit us all in different ways and to various extents. Many have been hurt, disappointed, and had their dreams crushed. Why keep trying? Why keep hoping? Why put yourself out there again? Jacob Thompson reminds all of us that life is temporary and its only guarantee is an expiration date. No one is promised tomorrow and today is the day to become the person that we want to be. Jacob invites himself and others to wrestle with this question: How do I want to be remembered?

While many great stories have to do with pushing through an adverse situation and coming out on the other end, Jacob’s story stands unique. He fights a daily battle against an extremely rare and debilitating disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). The progressive nature of FA forces Jacob to continuously adapt to ongoing changes and challenges. Yet Jacob refuses to give up hope and instead has become a renowned speaker and author, an award-winning recording artist, a rare disease and disability advocate, and a USA para-climbing national finalist. More important to Jacob than any of these accomplishments is his role as a husband and father committed to hope and purpose.

What really fuels Jacob, though, is to see others turn their obstacles into opportunities in their own lives. His compelling message will not only have the audience laughing, crying, and feeling inspired—it will give them the exact blueprint they need to cultivate resilience and unleash their full potential.

Takeaways — In this program, the audience will learn:

How building a foundation of purpose and character enables you to adapt to any circumstance.
The importance of taking ownership of behavior and decisions while releasing what’s beyond your control.
The power of being purpose-driven to maintain discipline and consistency.
How to overcome fear of failure, self-doubt, and overthinking to “get on the wall.”
How adopting a proper perspective on struggle allows for ongoing resilience.
A practical blueprint for turning obstacles into opportunities.

Jacob Thompson | Top Resilience Speaker

Books by Jacob Thompson

Comments & Testimonials

"Jacob’s message captivates the heart and mind of anyone who hears his story. Every individual will be inspired by Jacob’s courage as he battles a relentless foe and is not discouraged by the potential outcome, but uses his story as an example of what it looks like to truly surrender yourself for those around you and for what you believe. I would recommend every leader try and get Jacob in front of their team to hear his story as only he can share it."

James Kilian Former NFL Quarterback, Head Football Coach - St. Olaf University

"Jacob was the keynote speaker during our event. His delivery was heartfelt, relatable, engaging, motivational, thought-provoking, and behavior-changing. His powerful message was carried with sincerity but sprinkled with the perfect amount of humor. Jacob sent our group off on a high, ready and willing to embrace our community and the challenges ahead. Having Jacob speak for your group will be a highlight of any event."

Cait Monette FARA Director of Clinical Operations and RideAtaxia Hometown Organizer

"Jacob’s story of perseverance through difficult trials is astounding. It's a wonderful message. I highly recommend having him speak to your audience; it will be a life changing experience for them."

Mike Dinardo Principal, Minnehaha Academy