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Simon Keith

Simon Keith

The World’s First Heart Transplant Recipient to Play a Professional Sport.

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Simon Keith is a beloved speaker with the inspiring story of being both a former professional soccer player and one of the longest-living organ transplant recipients in the world.

He was also the first to play sports professionally after undergoing a heart transplant. His story of receiving the heart of a 17-year-old Welsh boy in 1986 when he was just 21 years old has been featured on ESPN E: 60 A Change of Heart.

Simon shared his story at the White House, in British and Canadian Parliaments and with captivated audiences around the world. His story is one of inspiration telling people to dare to live.

Simon played two seasons at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and was named Student Athlete of the Year for the conference. He was also named USA’s Most Courageous Athlete. Simon also was honoured with the title of Most Valuable Play at the Senior Bowl and was drafted #1 overall into the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also drafted into the USA’s Major Indoor Soccer League and published his autobiography Heart for the Game.

Book proceeds go to providing athletic training for other transplant recipients.

He is a member of the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and was named Canada’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2015.

Simon then went on to be an entrepreneur who built and sold four companies over 15 years. His most recent venture was as COO for the Nevada Donor Network. He led it from 53rd place to #1 in the U.S. over a span of eight years in the number of organ donors and organs recovered for transplant per capita.

He underwent a second heart transplant as well as a kidney transplant when his heart and kidneys began failing in 2018. He stood less than a 1.75 percent chance of getting the organs but was gifted and his remarkable story continues.

He signed a major movie deal about his life with Kennedy Marshall Entertainment and movie producer Frank Marshall of Jurassic World and Bourne movie fame.

Simon is an expert in leadership development, entrepreneurships and organizational culture.

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Videos

Moments of Truth

In all of our lives, we tend to define ourselves by MOMENTS. These moments shape who we are and how we view ourselves. The birth of a child, getting married, a big promotion are all moments that many of us celebrate. But what if the moments in your life are not always expected. How do you prepare for moments when you don’t know when or how they will come? Why do some people seem to ‘execute’ their moments better than others? What if your moment seems bigger than what you can handle? Simon talks about the Moments in his life and how “being flat on your back at age 21, and about to have your heart taken out of your chest” certainly qualifies as a Moment. How Simon moved forward from that potentially crippling event and was able to live an incredible heart stopping life.

FEAR

Why does FEAR inhibit our behavior? Why do we allow FEAR to become the overriding presence in our lives? Is overcoming FEAR the number one difference that make the ultra-successful “different” than the masses? Simon explores this concept as part of his LEADERSHIP training and pushes the audience to come to grips with their fears and what steps they can take to overcome this often debilitating state of mind. After participating in this KEY NOTE speech – you will be motivated more than ever to implement the strategies to overcome YOUR FEARS.

6 Characteristics of Champions

Simon has dedicated his life studying and understanding what it takes to be a Champion. Having identified 6 Major Characteristics, Simon speaks about the importance of each and uses anecdotal evidence based on his and other “Champions” lives.
• Prepare
• Vision
• Motivation
• Belief – The Power of Stupid
• Pursuit of Excellence
• Dare to Live

Changing the Perception of Organ Transplantation

Simon communicates a unique perspective on what it “feels” like to be the recipient of a lifesaving organ transplant…even if you don’t want to really talk about. A 25-year struggle in learning to how to interact with others who expect you to be someone different than who you are (or ever were). Why do people want you to be “different”? Why do they treat you as “different”? Does it help you that they want you to be “special” or does it further handicap you? As a recipient who has fought prejudice and pre-conceived notions, Simon delivers a message that anyone battling an illness, struggle, or challenge will simply be inspired to hear. A must see presentation!

Simon’s messages tells an incredible story of HEART, PASSION, and DETERMINATION. He will captivate your audience with his “Moments of Truth” and will DARE YOU TO LIVE.

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Testimonials

“Simon Keith was a fabulous speaker for our Banquet. His personal story provided so much hope to our guests who are struggling with many of the same issues that he had to endure. His motivation and compassion for others are a gift he shares with all.”
The Mayo Clinic

“Recently, we selected Simon Keith to speak at our Anytime Fitness Annual Conference. Our audience is franchise owners and managers in our health clubs from all over the world. Simon’s message on moments of truth absolutely motivated and inspired our group, who is in the business of motivation and inspiration! Simon shares what he has learned through his personal journey of being a heart transplant recipient who actually made his way back to a career as a professional athlete. His delivery style was so genuine yet impactful. His message is clear, concise and exactly what people need to hear. His book is also a great take away for attendees. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Simon and would absolutely recommend him as a speaker for future events. If you want your audience to be fully present, think about what they can do better as well as get a full dose of surprise, energy and enthusiasm, Simon Keith is your guy!”
Anytime Fitness

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