My StorySpeakingSocial Media
2500
+ Days and Counting

Paralyzed To Powerful

2500
+ Days and Counting

Paralyzed To Powerful

What Paralyzes You?

Take this short self-assessment to identify the #1 obstacle you face right now and my advice on how to overcome it.

THIS IS

MY STORY

In one moment, I was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn. I suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving me unable to move or feel anything below my neck. My doctor's prognosis was grim: I would never walk or move my hands for the rest of my life.

Even in the face of tremendous adversity, I maintained the drive to reclaim my life, but my challenges had only just begun. My rehabilitation journey began with battling spinal fusion surgery, pneumonia, and an inability to swallow, losing 60 pounds in only one month. I had to re-learn almost every basic human function, from feeding myself, to getting dressed, to brushing my teeth. 

Rather than let this tragedy define me, I used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, I can now walk 400 yards, I stood to receive my diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, and I'm sharing the mental tools that have helped me persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker. 

SPEAKING

WE ALL HAVE CHALLENGES, YOU CAN JUST SEE MINE

Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be mental, emotional, or organizational. In my keynote, Paralyzed to Powerful, I authentically relive my journey with the audience and share the invaluable tools that I gained in overcoming quadriplegia. My message stirs organizations and individuals to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them by cultivating purpose in their work, fully accessing the collective resilience of their team, developing a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintaining positivity through even the most daunting challenges.

RECENT EVENTS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Inspiring, moving, and brilliant. Those are just three of the words used to describe Rob Paylor’s moving keynote delivered as a fireside chat at our company virtual kickoff. So moving were his words around “mindset”, “the mental diet”, “gratitude”, and “resiliency” that it moved me the CEO of the company to tears during the interview. His story as a top collegiate championship athlete paralyzed during a game, along with the years of hard daily work to defy the doctor’s predictions is one that will move any employee, especially sales team members. As a professional keynote speaker myself, I can say, he is one of the best speakers I have had the pleasure of seeing on stage. If you want to feel inspired to push yourself and employees to their fullest, contact Rob Paylor.

Author
Mario Martinez
CEO, Vengreso

I’ve been organizing dental meetings for nearly 30 years. To say that Robert exceeded my expectations would be understating what actually happened. Some of the keynote speakers I have had in the past included Robert Vaughn (Man from Uncle), Coach Don Shula, Cal Ripkin Jr., and Leonard Nimoy (Spok). They were all amazing. However, without hesitation, I can say that my audience loved Robert more than any other keynote I’ve ever put on stage. I would urge you to consider Robert for your next event, whether medical, dental, corporate or other… every living breathing human being should hear Robert’s inspirational message!

Author
Dr. Tom Orent
CEO, Freedom Summit

Rob enthralled, challenged, motivated, and inspired a room full of hardened tech professionals who have sat through too many keynote speakers to count. His message "Paralyzed to Powerful" is one everyone should hear and from which they will all benefit. Rob's stature, presence, and command of the room belie his young years. Do yourself a favor - book Rob for your next event, whether big or small. When he implores you to face "What paralyzes you..." you'll see the power of his message.

Author
Ken Montgomery
Global Head of Communications & Brand, Innominds

I’ve planned conferences for 20+ years and have heard dozens of great keynote speakers. Robert Paylor is truly one of the top 5 most impactful speakers I’ve had the pleasure to meet and hear. We encourage session evaluations for all our speakers and for his session, the numbers were off the chart -- and I mean this literally, as his audience gave him marks higher than the highest possible. To say he was a huge hit is an understatement. Do yourself (and your audience) a favor and ask Robert to speak at your next event.

Author
Shirley James
Director of Conferences & Events, EPCOR

I had the privilege of inviting Robert Paylor to deliver a keynote speech at our recent company annual meeting, and it was the most memorable keynote address I have heard. He has a keen ability to captivate the audience with his moving and personal story, and then weave his story into insightful, practical lessons that leave a lasting impression on everyone in the room. Robert is more than just a speaker; he is an amazing person who is making a positive impact on the lives of so many. Our team members are still talking about Robert’s speech. I highly recommend him to any organization seeking to ignite passion and drive among their team members.

Author
Phil Bodem
Division President, Tri Pointe Homes

Robert is the embodiment of courage, resiliency, persistence and continued perseverance against the odds. His life story and learnings are impactful but delivered with grace, humility, humor and in a manner that any human can relate to. His insights on controlling mindsets and the message of, “compared to what”, are takeaways that made lasting impressions on our team and that we will continue to use and reference for months and years to come.

Author
Jon Beck
CEO, Ursus Inc

Robert’s optimism in the face of tremendous adversity serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement to everyone. Our team members were enthralled with Robert and many reflected on how they can use optimism as the fuel for overcoming their own adversity and challenges. Everyone should spend some time with this remarkable man. His strength, wisdom, and tenacity shine through and we all feel richer having had the time to meet him.

Author
Shawn Lipman
CEO, Feedonomics

Robert Paylor spoke to my Learfield IMG College team which consisted of 155 industry leaders. He delivered a vital message that focused on the power of a positive mindset, gratitude and perspective. Robert provided personal learnings from his injury and relentless efforts to walk again. This was one of the most effective and important learning experiences that my team has received to date. There has been an enormous amount of feedback from my colleagues on their sincere appreciation for Robert’s message. Simply stated, Robert Paylor is incredible!

Author
Solly Fulp
Executive Vice President, Learfield IMG College

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ROBERT

PAYLOR

Paralyzed To Powerful

ROBERT

PAYLOR

Paralyzed To Powerful

COPYRIGHT 2024 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ROBERT PAYLOR

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