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Inspirational Keynote Speaker & Strategic Thought Partner

Bringing More Humanness to How We Work

John Chilkotowsky is an executive leadership coach and keynote speaker who helps leaders and teams elevate communication, collaboration, and fulfillment for healthy high performance and lasting results.

With more than a decade of coaching experience, John blends the rigor of Fortune 500 consulting with the heart of nonprofit leadership. His approach is grounded in humanity — helping leaders bring more courage, compassion, and authenticity into their work so that performance and purpose thrive together.

About John

“My mission is to bring humanity back into how we work — so that courage, compassion, and authenticity drive real and lasting change.”

For over 10 years, John has partnered with leaders at all levels to strengthen trust, expand impact, and create cultures where people and performance both flourish.
He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds international credentials in Systemic Team Coaching and Group Coaching.

John is also an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

His leadership journey has included roles across corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit sectors — giving him a rare ability to connect with diverse audiences through stories that are both practical and deeply human. 

Speaking Topics

John’s keynotes and talks are tailored for leadership teams, corporate conferences, and professional associations. Each program blends storytelling, practical insight, and interactive reflection — inspiring leaders to take meaningful action.

Coaching Trust, Inspiring Change: A Leadership Reset

How trust and self-awareness unlock influence and innovation — especially during change and uncertainty.

Increased Impact Through Stronger Executive Presence

Practical ways to elevate presence, clarity, and confidence to inspire teams and move strategy forward.

Unlocking Team Growth Through Candid Communication

How honest, skillful conversation accelerates learning, strengthens culture, and creates shared accountability.

Why Audiences Connect with John

John’s sessions are known for being:

Grounded and relatable

real stories and insights that resonate.

Interactive and energizing

audiences reflect, engage, and leave with tangible actions.

Transformational, not transactional

creating lasting shifts in mindset and behavior.

What Clients Say

“My executive skillset and personal self-knowledge grew exponentially thanks to my work with John. I recommend him to anyone looking to level up for the next phase of their journey.”

“My executive skillset and personal self-knowledge grew exponentially thanks to my work with John. I recommend him to anyone looking to level up for the next phase of their journey.”

— Leslie Tabor
CEO, TCPL System

“John has challenged me to think differently, and to “be better” as an executive leader. I now communicate more effectively, have stronger relationships with my team and peers, and I’m completely satisfied in my role. John is skilled at identifying and building momentum for executives!”

— Todd Conklin
EVP and CFO, Care New England Health System

“John’s background in both for-profit and nonprofit leadership set him apart. I now have more ownership of my goals and clear actions to achieve them.”
— Jonathan Sproul
CEO, Cape Abilities

Trusted By

Book John for Your Next Event

Whether you’re planning a leadership offsite, conference keynote, or company-wide event, John Chilkotowsky brings warmth, wisdom, and actionable insight that inspire change long after the session ends.

Event Organizer Toolkit

Planning an event should feel seamless. Below are resources to make working with John easy and stress-free.

Speaker Bio (for Event Programs)

John Chilkotowsky is an executive leadership coach and keynote speaker with more than a decade of experience helping leaders and teams build trust, collaboration, and fulfillment for sustainable high performance. Drawing from a unique blend of Fortune 500 consulting and nonprofit leadership, John brings a balance of strategic clarity and human connection to every engagement. He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds international credentials in Systemic Team Coaching and Group Coaching. As an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, John partners with organizations to help leaders bring more courage, compassion, and authenticity into their work.

John’s Speaker One Sheet