IDAExpo+ Keynote speaker

Keynote Session

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Inky Johnson shares his dramatic personal story of overcoming childhood hardship and a career-ending injury to inspire others to believe the impossible is achievable. He shares his lessons on leadership, teamwork and keys to success in business and life. Johnson’s message of faith and perseverance motivates us all to face our daily challenges head on, and to live life with a greater purpose. His journey will resonate with your audience at the core level, empowering them to embrace the challenges of life, while giving them the inspiration and resilience to accomplish their goals and bounce back from defeat.

inky johnson

Husband, father, collegiate athlete, entrepreneur and author, Inky Johnson is one of the most highly sought after speakers in the world. For over a decade, executives, professional sports teams, business owners and people all over have benefited from the raw energy of his thought provoking and inspirational presentations. Whether the topic is leadership, teamwork, excelling in the midst of adversity, embracing change, mental agility or perseverance, Inky’s message is effective and efficient.  

Inky’s gift of being an effective communicator has allowed him to crossover into different industries. He is a leader called upon by leaders. A partial list of his clients include Chick-fil-A, Dell Technologies, Aflac Insurance, Cooks Pest Control, State Farm, AT&T, Comcast, Coca Cola, Bank of America, Stryker, The University of Tennessee, The University Of Alabama, The University of Texas, The University of Oregon. UCLA, Clemson University, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, The New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, New York Knicks, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves.  

Inky earned his Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology from The University of Tennessee. He was a three year letterman and two year Captain on the Football team, where he started as a cornerback. In his junior year he was projected as a top thirty draft pick. Unfortunately, on September 9th, 2006, he sustained a life threatening, career ending injury that paralyzed his right arm and hand. From that day to present day Inky has had a burning desire to use his situation and experiences to add value to people’s lives.  

Inky’s words have resonated all over the world— “The one thing we all have in common is that we will encounter adversity, but we have to decide how we respond to it. My arm and my hand are paralyzed but my heart isn’t, my mind isn’t, my dedication isn’t, my work ethic isn’t, my commitment isn’t.” Inky is on a mission to serve and is someone that takes tremendous pride in what he does.  

Inky is the host of Serendipity with Inky Johnson Podcast. He devotes time to mentoring athletes and underprivileged youth and is one of the founders of The Inky and Allison Johnson Foundation. Inky and his wife, Allison, lives in Atlanta, Georgia with their two children, Jada and Inky Jr.  

Thank You to our Keynote Sponsor