keynote and business speaker

If ever there were the ideal speaker for the challenges and contradictions of our times, Dr. John Smith is it. John Smith’s message is as powerful as his Harley Davidson at full throttle, and he is as committed  to transforming businesses, as he is to helping youth and society’s outcasts. John is a passionate story-teller, who has lived on the fringe, and co-authored five books.

In 2002, he completed six years of doctoral studies in the United States, focussing on cross-cultural studies, including corporate culture, charismatic leadership and globalisation. He offers powerful historic, economic and ethical perspectives on modern business. Keynote speaker, Anthropologist, Bikie, Preacher, Businessman,  Author, Advocate  – these are all Dr. John Smith

John Smith’s life has been extraordinary. He was gaoled and nearly executed in the Philippines for defending the rights of rural peasants,  and has been an advocate for the marginalised peoples of Mexico, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

As founder and Executive Director of five highly successful youth outreach organisations, Dr. John Smith has turned young lives around. As pioneer of the ‘Values for Life’ schools seminars, John has spoken to students in more than 4 thousand Australian high schools. The ‘Handbrake Turn’ training and rehabilitation program boasts a success rate of 85% in reducing youth offender recidivism. His founding of the ‘Care and Communications Concern’organisation, which has now grown into ‘Concern Australai’, has been recognized in 2003, with the awarding of the Governor-General’s Centenary Medal.

John Smith’s message goes to the heart of those in business who are seeking not only sustainability and success, but also a great sense of direction in their working lives. His message is entertaining, engaging and relevant to Christians and non-Christians alike.

He has spoken around the world at music and arts festivals, shared the stage with former President Jimmy Carter and addressed a full hearing of the United Nations Human Rights Commission.  Some of John’s artist associates have named him the Blues Preacher because of his classical training, improvisation form of presentation and love of blues and jazz.

Dr. John has appeared as a regular commentator on Australian television and radio, and as a guest on the BBC, including an appearance with General Schwarzkopf on the ‘David Frost Show.’ John Smith and his organisations have appeared in feature length articles in leading newspapers throughout Europe and Australia. John was also a regular columnist for The Age. John Smith is passionate about blues music – describing popular art as ‘the nerve ends of our culture.’ He is married to Glena Fay, and has two daughters, a son and fifteen grandchildren.