Keynote Speaker, Biker, Author, Advocate.
"John Smith's message is for people who want to do more than just listen." Bono, U2
At once a corporate motivational speaker and motorcycle club leader, this former teacher and minister is one of Australia’s most unusual and unorthodox speakers. The charismatic founder of Melbourne's God’s Squad (now spread across Europe from the Ukraine to the Netherlands, UK, Eire, NZ and USA). Dr. John Smith commands not only the respect of Australia’s outlaw biker, but also corporate Australia.
John Smith is as committed to transforming businesses, as he is to helping youth and society’s outcasts. A passionate story teller, he has authored five books. In 2002, he completed six years of doctoral studies in the United States, researching cultural anthropology, popular culture, social movements, corporate culture, charismatic leadership and globalisation. He offers powerful historic, economic and ethical perspectives on modern business. He is equally at home doing gigs in pubs as he is in conversing with academics.
John Smith’s life has been extraordinary. He was gaoled and nearly executed in the Philippines for defending peasant people, addressed a full hearing of the United Nations Human Rights Commission and has been an advocate for the marginalised peoples of Mexico, Al Salvador and Nicaragua.
As founder and Executive Director of Concern Austalia and Global Concern, he has established five highly successful youth outreach programs. Dr. John Smith has turned thousands of young lives around. His founding of the ‘Concern Australia’ organisation was recognised in 2003, with the awarding of the Governor-General’s Centenary Medal.
Dr. John has appeared as a regular commentator on Australian television and radio, and he has been featured in leading newspapers throughout Europe and Australia. 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.
His books include: 'Advance Australia Where', 'Cutting Edge' and the recently republished revised and updated, 'On The Side Of The Angels'.
