Tom Willner

Tom Willner

GA, US

Empowers audiences to thrive through intentional action, resilience, and purpose. With powerful storytelling, original music, and lived experience, Tom inspires people to overcome adversity, embrace change, and make the most of every moment—creating lasting impact in both work and life.

Tom Willner: From Cancer Survivor to Resilience Speaker Inspiring Audiences to Thrive


At thirty, Tom Willner was diagnosed with cancer—and wrote a full-length musical about the experience while undergoing treatment. That bold act of creativity set the tone for the rest of his life.


Today, Tom is an acclaimed TEDx speaker, marathon and ultramarathon runner, musician, author, and technology leader who helps people go from surviving to thriving. He shares his journey of facing life-threatening illness, rebuilding his health, and finding purpose through creativity and intentional action—reminding audiences that time is our most precious resource, and how we choose to spend it defines how we live.


Tom's signature presentations combine powerful storytelling, live original music, and heartfelt humor to help audiences:

  • Navigate adversity with intention and courage
  • Reconnect with purpose and what matters most
  • Make small changes that lead to lasting growth
  • Cultivate empathy, resilience, and connection in work and life


With 20+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and raising over $100,000 for cancer causes, Tom brings both personal and professional depth to his message. He has moved thousands—from healthcare professionals and cancer survivors to corporate leaders and educators—leaving them energized, empowered, and ready to thrive.

Tom Willner: From Cancer Survivor to Resilience Speaker Inspiring Audiences to Thrive


At thirty, Tom Willner was diagnosed with cancer—and wrote a full-length musical about the experience while undergoing treatment. That bold act of creativity set the tone for the rest of his life.


Today, Tom is an acclaimed TEDx speaker, marathon and ultramarathon runner, musician, author, and technology leader who helps people go from surviving to thriving. He shares his journey of facing life-threatening illness, rebuilding his health, and finding purpose through creativity and intentional action—reminding audiences that time is our most precious resource, and how we choose to spend it defines how we live.


Tom's signature presentations combine powerful storytelling, live original music, and heartfelt humor to help audiences:

  • Navigate adversity with intention and courage
  • Reconnect with purpose and what matters most
  • Make small changes that lead to lasting growth
  • Cultivate empathy, resilience, and connection in work and life


With 20+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and raising over $100,000 for cancer causes, Tom brings both personal and professional depth to his message. He has moved thousands—from healthcare professionals and cancer survivors to corporate leaders and educators—leaving them energized, empowered, and ready to thrive.

No Time Like Now

Format: 45–60 minute keynote


This program is perfect for:

  • Employees or leaders experiencing burnout or feeling overwhelmed
  • Organizations navigating change or reevaluating priorities


The audience will leave with:

  • A deeper understanding of how to live and lead with intention
  • The inspiration to take meaningful action—now, not later

ChangeInspirationalAdversityResilienceHealthcare/MedicalNonprofitTechnologyAudience ActivityInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Transforming Learning Through Stories and Music

Format: 45–60 minute keynote or 90-minute workshop


This program is perfect for:

  • Educators, facilitators, and leaders looking to increase engagement
  • Trainers and teams seeking innovative ways to improve learning and retention


The audience will leave with:

  • Creative tools to enhance learning through story and music
  • A renewed connection to the...
ChangeCreativityInspirationalEducationTechnologyEntertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / Informative

Time. Talent. Team.

Format: 60-minute keynote or 90-minute workshop


This program is perfect for:

  • Leaders building high-performing, values-driven teams
  • Organizations looking to improve alignment, communication, and productivity


The audience will leave with:

  • A practical framework to better align people, time, and purpose
  • Strategies to enhance team performance and reduce...
ChangeCreativityInspirationalResilienceEducationNonprofitTechnologyAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

You Can Accomplish Anything

Format: 45–60 minute keynote


This program is perfect for:

  • Employees or teams overcoming adversity or burnout
  • Organizations looking to inspire goal-setting and perseverance


The audience will leave with:

  • A renewed belief in their ability to achieve bold personal and professional goals
  • Practical tools for building resilience and mental...
ChangeInspirationalAdversityResilienceEducationHealthcare/MedicalNonprofitAudience ActivityInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Turning Thirty: The Musical

Format: 60–90 minute live performance keynote


This program is perfect for:

  • Healthcare professionals seeking deeper empathy and insight into the patient experience
  • Audiences looking for an emotionally powerful, artistic presentation on adversity and healing


The audience will leave with:

  • A moving understanding of the human side of healthcare and...
InspirationalHealthcareAdversityResilienceEducationHealthcare/MedicalNonprofitEntertainment-basedEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing