E330: John Kippen - Being Different is your Super Power

John Kippen is an entrepreneur, professional magician, speaker, resilience and empowerment coach and published author.John was dealt a bad blow in 2002 when he was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumor. Its removal, although successful, left him with permanent facial paralysis which stopped his forward momentum forcing him into hiding for more than 12 years.As John hit bottom, he rediscovered his childhood love for performing magic and storytelling . Now filled with passion and hope , he discovered that his facial difference had become  his greatest superpower.This new mindset gave John the strength to live life with joy and become a sought after resilience and empowerment coach who uses the lessons and methodologies he learned overcoming his adversity to inspire and assist his clients to get out of their own way and live their best lives.His two mottos are “ Being Different is your Superpower!” and “Feed your Heart with your Art”SummaryIn this conversation, Benjamin Lee and John Kippen explore the transformative power of personal stories and resilience. John shares his journey from being diagnosed with a brain tumor to discovering his passion for magic and storytelling. They discuss the importance of embracing differences, the healing power of sharing experiences, and how coaching can empower individuals to overcome obstacles and build self-confidence. The conversation emphasizes that everyone has a unique story that can inspire others and that vulnerability can be a source of strength. In this engaging conversation, John Kippen shares his journey from childhood creativity to becoming a successful speaker and magician. He discusses the importance of preparation, audience engagement, and the power of personal connections. John emphasizes living life to the fullest, building relationships, and embracing authenticity, especially in the wake of the pandemic. He also introduces the Rolodex Roulette game as a tool for reconnecting with others and shares insights on public speaking and personal growth.TakeawaysEveryone has a powerful story to share.Reconnecting with passions can be healing.Embracing differences can become a superpower.Sharing personal experiences can inspire others.Coaching can help individuals overcome self-imposed obstacles.The importance of having support during difficult times.Self-confidence can be rebuilt through positive experiences.Preparation is key to overcoming performance anxiety.Engaging the audience can be achieved through storytelling and magic.Life is short; make every moment count.Building relationships is essential for personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Background02:08 John's Journey Through Illness07:13 Facing Surgery and Its Aftermath12:54 Rebuilding Self-Confidence Through Magic19:18 The Power of Connection and Storytelling24:52 Embracing Differences as Strengths30:42 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories35:40 The Power of Generosity and Support36:46 Creating Impact Through Storytelling39:48 Embracing Authenticity and Resilience42:31 Overcoming Adversity and Self-Doubt49:38 Transformative Coaching and Personal Growth52:19 Navigating Fear and Performance Anxiety01:01:29 The Art of Connection in Public Speaking01:08:48 Embracing Life's Challenges01:11:58 Rolodex Roulette: Reconnecting with Others01:14:16 The Importance of Genuine Connections01:16:42 Celebrating Relationships and Life's Moments01:18:20 Life's Unexpected Moments and Their Impact01:20:29 Living Authentically in a Masked World01:22:39 Future Endeavors and Personal Growth01:25:38 Sharing Insights and Lessons Learned01:39:47 Embracing Technology for Better CommunicationYou can find John below: https://johnkippen.comhttps://kippencoaching.comTedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on-IVeZ4M4UDocumentary: https://youtu.be/u462NpswNso?feature=sharedPress: https://www.johnkippen.com/press