INITIATE LEADERSHIP. EMBRACE CHANGE. THRIVE THROUGH MOTIVATION :
Former NCAA college and NFL Football Coach, business leader, Author
About John Parker
John Parker
Get ready to be inspired and motivated by John Parker, a motivational speaker from St. Louis, Missouri!
As a seasoned Motivational Speaker, Keynote Speaker, and Corporate Speaker, John's powerful message, "One Team, One Mission, One Direction," will leave a lasting impact on your audience. In his presentation, "Perseverance leads to Productivity," John captivates audiences with real, heartwarming, and humorous stories that highlight the difference we all make in others' lives. From Volunteer to Corporate and Educational groups, John's inspiring keynote has earned standing ovations and rave reviews from audiences nationwide.
This is John Parker. He is a former NFL and college football coach with 35-plus years of experience. He is brash, unapologetic, direct, and blunt, and he has never been afraid to say what everybody is thinking but is too filtered to say. He prides himself on “keeping it real” with people. He will frequently say, “If you ask me a question, you will get a direct answer. I never promise that you will like the answer, but it will be straightforward. As a magnificent speaker and talented storyteller, he has changed people’s lives by teaching them to find real direction and follow their dreams.
"The Coach," as most people call him, has always been a rebel, but he has always had a cause. His expertise and passion motivate, inspire, and lead individuals, teams, and organizations. He is one of the most sought-after organizational speakers nationwide. John's speeches are ideal for corporate teams and organizations that want to develop more influential leaders. This presentation will help your people become your company’s leading performers, influence outcomes, contribute to major decisions, and create change that moves your company ahead.
Parker on being a "Survivor"
One word used in describing John Parker is “survivor.” During the summer of his junior year of college, he was driving on a major highway in St. Louis, Missouri, late one evening. What happened next would change his life forever. A drunk driver decided to drive down the exit ramp and proceeded to get into the inside lane, lights off and going 80 mph, traveling in the wrong direction. When he appeared in front of John, it was too late. The driver hit him head-on. John probably should have been killed in the accident; after all, who survives a head-on accident at 80 mph? But he did survive the accident, and his life would be different from that day. With a determination and drive unlike most, he returned to the football field a year later and finished his college football career. Later, during his 35-plus years as a college/professional football coach, he endured several health scares. John Parker has never lost his focus or his drive to lead and motivate others to be the absolute best they can be. As he has been known to do, he has always kept silent about most of his health issues. He truly is a walking miracle.
Parker on "Leadership Over Popularity"
Successful leaders are laser-focused on high-value activities, doing the right things at the right time. They focus their daily strategies on executing the work that has the most impact. They control their schedules by time-blocking, delegating, and learning to say “no” effectively to anything that gets in the way of what matters most. John Parker is one of the most effective speakers as he shows leaders how to manage their time so it doesn’t manage them.
After his college playing career and a short stint at the professional level, John had many opportunities to do other things with his professional life, but he knew what the game of football had provided to him, and he wanted a chance to provide that same opportunity to other young men, especially young men of color. He has often stated that “football has been a platform for everything I have ever done. I owe the game and the coaching profession everything.” He traveled across the country to pursue this ambition and bring social change to the coaching profession. He wanted to change how the profession worked for Black coaches. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Black Coaches Association of America and made a conscious decision to put his career on the line to fight for minority coaches in the football profession.
"Real leadership is not about popularity". John Parker has always lived up to this statement. Parker is the definition of leadership, inspiration, relentless hard work, passionate preparation, and yes, a cold-blooded and often polarizing persona that forces people to "get comfortable being just a bit uncomfortable", because he believes in "real" conversation, in order to effect "real" change, "real" motivation and "real" leadership.
Parker on "Motivation"
Motivation and purpose drive performance. But how does motivation actually work in the human mind? How can we keep ourselves and others motivated through challenge and change? Is there a secret to helping others stay focused and engaged? Success—whether in combat, business, or life—cannot be achieved alone. In today’s highly competitive, volatile business world, marked by rising turnover, uncertainty, and performance-debilitating fear, winning organizations must collaborate across silos, build trust, and connect authentically to drive performance and growth. Waldo’s programs foster deeper engagement, stronger collaboration, and measurable increases in both performance and profitability.
John Parker is a forward-thinking leader who refuses to slow down. He is the current Business Development Manager for Nationwide Sorts Construction. The company specializes in building athletic facilities for high schools, universities, and municipalities. At his former company, Evolution Medical Marketing and Consulting Group, he used advanced testing technology to quickly identify pathogens, enabling proactive measures to mitigate disease spread and reduce morbidity and mortality rates among residents. He continues to serve as President of Evolution Communications & Media Group, a firm specializing in corporate/crisis communications, public/media relations, and reputation management for large corporations/companies, government entities, and non-profit organizations.
He is the former Vice President/Chief Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing Officer for St. Louis Apparel and Manufacturing, a high-tech knitting and fabric company. He previously served as Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Media for the City of St. Louis's St. Louis Development Corporation. He has hosted an Emmy Award-winning television talk show. He also hosted a syndicated national sports radio/TV show, "The Sports Mayhem USA," on more than 150 stations nationwide. He published a men's magazine, "Evolution Magazine." He has built and sold several companies. He currently serves on several charitable boards, including ARCHS, the St. Louis Ambassadors, the Viral Cancer Research Foundation, the St. Louis Small Business Institute, and many others. He is a staunch advocate for the Crisis Nursery, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In December 2018, John Parker was named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential African Americans in St. Louis, Missouri." He is also a published author and has written four books. He is an accomplished singer and often appears on weekends with his wife, beautiful Nancy, on stages in the lower Broadway area of Nashville, Tennessee, in Panama City Beach, Florida, and in various venues in Mexico.
John Parker could be labeled as an overachiever, but he doesn’t see it that way. John sees life as an opportunity to do what you truly want. We all know that there are people who wait for someone like a John Parker to step up and say what needs to be said, unabashedly and always with conviction, so that they can be led to gain the same courage to raise their hands and shout out, without any restraint, and say, “Damn, I’m just like you!” John Parker is a rare blend of brilliant talent and unwavering perseverance, repeatedly reinventing himself to overachieve, whether for a cause or to motivate and lead people.
More About John Parker
John Parker speaks to the audience from personal experience. He is driven by a passion to help others discover who they really are and stay focused. He bases his practical, down-to-earth approach on real-life applications and speaks about the power of welcoming change and how the mind works when it comes to inspiration, motivation, leadership, peak performance, and success toward change and through change.
He is a powerful storyteller, and his keynote talks are full of real-life stories with powerful insights that lead to actionable tools and takeaways. Parker's events, talks, and seminars are uplifting and engaging. He is humorous, highly interactive, and offers real strategies to help you change your life, achieve your goals, and become the best version of yourself, personally and professionally, in a rapidly changing world. John Parker provides the guidance you need to build the ability and confidence to lead in any circumstance, even when the whole world is watching.
John Parker has spoken to college campuses, major corporations, and mid-size companies; emceed numerous events; and been featured on many media outlets discussing change, corporate motivation, leadership, and how the human mind works to become exceptional in every area of our lives, personally and professionally. Every event is different, and each speech is tailored to give your audience the most actionable tools, motivation, and passion, and the power to lead toward change and through it in the most effective, passionate, and mindful way.
John Parker has hand-crafted topics using the latest research and based on her expertise in human behavior, delivered through engaging, interactive, humorous, and insightful storytelling.
The Ideal Keynote Speaker
Kick off your meeting or conference with a bang! As your Keynote Speaker, John Parker sets the stage for profound learning and meaningful engagement with his thought-provoking content delivered with an entertaining, energetic, and humorous style. John will provide the content and context your audience needs to set the stage for the entertainment to come!
A Memorable Emcee
As a powerful Emcee, John Parker will reinforce the learning and value your participants gain while challenging them to let go of ingrained behaviors and think beyond the traditional mindset. With the right mix of great stories, humor, and energy to keep audiences engaged and in their seats, participants will stay until the end and leave with a smile, a clear idea of what’s next, and how to get there.
Companies and organizations who have chosen John Parker
John Parker
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
Veteran Motivational Speaker
Bring fresh energy to your next event with a keynote grounded in real-life experience, practical lessons, and clean humor. The Coach John Parker connects with audiences through an engaging story of determination and personal accountability, helping people see new possibilities and consider the choices that move them forward. Attendees leave with renewed perspective and ideas they can put to work in everyday life.
Veteran Motivational Speaker
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
Veteran Motivational Speaker
The Coach John Parker delivers engaging keynote presentations grounded in real-life experience, practical lessons, and clean humor. Each talk is designed to connect with audiences, spark fresh perspective, and encourage people to take meaningful action. Whether your event brings together a corporate team, a campus community, or a civic organization, attendees leave with renewed energy and ideas they can apply in everyday life.
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
The Coach John Parker delivers engaging keynote presentations that combine real-life lessons, clean humor, and practical encouragement. Each talk is designed to help audiences see new possibilities, strengthen personal accountability, and take meaningful steps forward. From corporate gatherings to community events, The Coach John Parker brings warmth and energy to the stage, creating an experience that is both memorable and useful long after the applause.
ENERGY FOR KEYNOTES
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Experienced Emcee and Show Host
The Coach John Parker delivers engaging keynotes rooted in real-life experience, practical lessons, and clean humor. Each presentation helps audiences look at familiar challenges from a fresh perspective and consider choices that can move them forward. Attendees leave with renewed energy, useful ideas, and a clearer sense of how to put motivation into action in their everyday work and lives.
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Coach John Parker delivers engaging keynote presentations rooted in real-life experience, practical lessons, and clean humor. Each talk helps audiences see new possibilities, reflect on the choices within their control, and identify meaningful next steps. Attendees leave with renewed energy and useful ideas they can apply in their work and everyday lives.
PASSIONATE ABOUT MOTIVATION
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
INSPIRING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Coach John Parker delivers engaging keynotes rooted in real-life experience, practical lessons, and clean humor. Each presentation helps audiences look at familiar challenges from a fresh perspective and consider choices that can move them forward. Attendees leave with renewed energy, useful ideas, and a clearer sense of how to put motivation into action in their everyday work and lives.
More About JOHN PARKER
BACKGROUND
John Parker was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from McCluer Senior High School in the suburb of Florissant, where he was an All-State performer in football, basketball, and track. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2003. He was awarded a college football scholarship and played Defensive Back at Ball State Un
John Parker was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from McCluer Senior High School in the suburb of Florissant, where he was an All-State performer in football, basketball, and track. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2003. He was awarded a college football scholarship and played Defensive Back at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education/Public Relations and Master of Science Degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sports Marketing, and he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sports Psychology.
He felt called to become a Coach, and he answered quickly. In over thirty-five years, he has coached (15) 15 NFL draft picks, seven (7) of whom have played in the Super Bowl.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
In 2004, prior to his retirement from professional coaching, Parker began operating as the President of Evolution Communications and Media Group, a Communications and Crisis/Reputation Management Consulting Firm in St. Louis, MO.
John Parker has been a professional television talk show host of the show “Prime Time Sports” in St. Louis, M
In 2004, prior to his retirement from professional coaching, Parker began operating as the President of Evolution Communications and Media Group, a Communications and Crisis/Reputation Management Consulting Firm in St. Louis, MO.
John Parker has been a professional television talk show host of the show “Prime Time Sports” in St. Louis, Missouri (11 years). The award-winning sports show was recognized throughout the Midwest. He also developed a national sports radio talk show titled “The Sports Mayhem USA”, which was heard on the Sports Byline USA Radio Network (130 stations) for over six years.
John finally hung up his coaching whistle permanently in 2010 and built a successful public relations and reputation management firm. John is currently the Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Human Resources for Evolution St. Louis and the Owner/President of Evolution Communications & Media Group, a firm specializing in crisis communications and media management for large corporations, government entities, and nonprofit organizations.
CHARITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CHARITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
John became an activist, honed his public speaking skills, and began speaking to small and large companies and organizations across the United States.
He serves on the Board of Directors of ARCHS, the Adoption Exchange, the St. Louis Ambassadors, the 1904 World’s Fair Charitable Foundation, the Viral Cancer Research Foundation, the Small
John became an activist, honed his public speaking skills, and began speaking to small and large companies and organizations across the United States.
He serves on the Board of Directors of ARCHS, the Adoption Exchange, the St. Louis Ambassadors, the 1904 World’s Fair Charitable Foundation, the Viral Cancer Research Foundation, the Small Business Institute, and AHA Unlimited. He has done events for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society Gateway Chapter, The St. Louis Crisis Nursery, The Jack and J.T. Snow Foundation, and the National Liver Foundation. He is a member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the United Way. He has received numerous awards in his career, including being recognized by the “I’m a Survivor” Foundation because of his two successful battles with cancer.
In December of 2018, John Parker was named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential African Americans in the City of St. Louis, Missouri.
SOME OF JOHN PARKER'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER SPEECH TOPICS
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL
- Whether we embrace it or not, adversity is part of our life. Learning to rise to the challenge is what builds character and resilience. Your attitude in the face of adversity is what defines you as a person. With every hurdle you surpass, you strengthen your will, confidence, and ability to conquer future obstacles.
- Adversity comes in all shapes and sizes. In the business world, adversity becomes a metaphor for taking the reins into the unknown. John Parker's talk on Overcoming Adversity will teach you how to accept adversity and remain optimistic through each failure.
"One Team, One Mission, One Direction"
- The number-one trait needed to accomplish any goals in life is self-discipline. Self-discipline is a learned behavior that not everyone has. The ability to monitor and control one's own behavior is something many would love to have, but unfortunately, not everyone does. John Parker offers a few strategies to help the audience improve their self-control so they make better choices rather than emotional ones.
EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP: THE POWER OF BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS
Great leadership relies on the power to motivate through obstacles. It centers on communicating effectively and building a culture of powerful teamwork. During this inspiring, motivating, and insightful experience, John Parker gives leaders real-life, cutting-edge strategies to move from vision to powerful teamwork, growth, and exceptional success.
John Parker brings the most recent winning leadership strategies. This is a highly interactive keynote, full of audience participation, insights, best tips, and real-life inspiring leadership stories to highlight teamwork, increase motivation, and grow engagement through diversity of personalities, generations, and challenges, and lead forward with confidence through all barriers and toward outstanding performance of leaders and teams alike.
Things My Mother Taught Me:
John Parker talks openly about his life experiences. These speeches are often emotional and offer real insight into why he is one of the country's most dynamic speakers. This is an audience favorite!!
JOHN PARKER
John Parker is known as one of the country's most energetic and inspirational speakers. He brings experience, rich humor, and colorful storytelling to every event he hosts. He is regularly requested and has a full schedule of events that he emcees. Companies and organizations often request him when they need to raise the level of excitement, because his energy is unmatched by most other speakers. He truly is inspiring.
Here are just a few more of John Parker’s Former Clients
*MSUD *Boeing Illinois Dept of Transportation *National Association of Engineers *The St. Louis Crisis Nursery *The Adoption Exchange *Youth Lifeline America *Nestle Purina Corporation *Big Brothers/Big Sisters *The United Way *Emerson *Dell *Harbour Group Inc. *The Black Coaches and Administrators Association *Nike *The American Football Coaches Association *Adidas *The Fellowship of Christian Athletes *AFLAC *National Womens Council of Realtors *Various Educational, Youth and Civic Organizations
For booking, please contact John Parker at 314-363-1102 or email him at CoachJohnParker1665@gmail.com
Testimonials
"Thank you for being a great Emcee at the IEC Presidents Reception & Awards Gala and making us all look good at America's Center in St. Louis. I have never heard so many good comments. Your excitement kept the room lively, and everyone loved your humor. The audience was so impressed, and they can be a tough crowd !!
Spencer Villwock, CEO, Independent Electrical Contractors
"Fabulous! Superb! Excellent! Wonderful! Amazing! - These are just a few of the descriptions of John Parker’s hosting at the MSUD conference/symposium in Chicago. Needless to say, he was an absolute, unequivocal hit with everyone. His effort to customize it for our unique and diverse audience was greatly appreciated. He really 'hit the mark' and gave our attendees lots of great humor as they face the challenges with a terrible disease in the future. He delivered in a way that left our audience standing on their feet and asking for more."
Mrs. Barbara Mudrick, Conference/Symposium Director, MSUD
“Besides being an outstanding coach, an inspiring speaker, and a motivating leader of people, he is a great host for any event and for any organization. He speaks to people from experience, very directly, and from the heart, and people truly listen to him and enjoy his handling of an evening”.
Mr. James Allen, Director of Marketing, Nestle-Purina Corporation
"Thanks, John! We can’t thank you enough for being a part of our 15th annual airline partners summit. Your presentation was interesting, motivating, and perfect for our audience. We are already implementing your motivational concepts. Steamboat is a special place with some special people. We are so glad you got to experience what differentiates us from other resorts, including our team. John, you are now officially a part of our family!"
Rob Perlman, VP Marketing, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
Testimonials
“John Parker has one of the best and brightest minds in both sports and business. I once told him he should have a radio talk show because he can speak to people frankly and directly, tackling controversial issues and life experiences while keeping it very funny. It was inevitable that some major radio or television program would discover this man, his uncanny, inspiring talents, and the fact that often he does it off the cuff, with minimal resources required.”
Mark Blaudschum, Writer, The Sporting News
"I really appreciate your presentation for Commerce Bank. We were truly blessed with an inspiring speaker and a perfect fit for our annual “Top Gun” event. Your ideas were “on target” (no surprise there) and will be implemented in our bank as we make adjustments to improve our processes."
Tommy Bargeron, Market Vice President, Commerce Bank
"Thank you for your outstanding presentation. Finally seeing you speak was terrific. The anecdotal feedback is very positive, as is the feedback for the overall meeting. So, my immediate reaction is SUCCESS!"
Lori Fouche, CEO, Prudential Group Insurance
“John is consistently enthusiastic, well-prepared, and professional in all aspects of his work. He is also a team player and interacts effectively with all types of people. What he brought to his talk is not something that you get in your average speaker.”
Bruce Baum, Professor and Human Resources Consultant, Buffalo State College
INVESTMENT SCHEDULE Price range is very negotiable (depending on size of function, organization, or company)
Dinner/Lunch, Speeches, Appreciation Events, Master of Ceremonies, Banqu
Communications, Meetings Conferences & Conventions, Customer Appreciation