Stephen Panus is an author, storyteller, mentor and coach at heart, one driven by purpose, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can turn pain into positive change. As the author of the best-selling book Walk On, he shares his deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of his 16-year-old son, Jake, who was a passenger in a vehicle tragically killed in a reckless and senseless car crash in the summer of 2020. Through telling his story, inspirational speaking and leadership development training, Stephen inspires others to find strength, create meaning, and hold tightly onto hope in life’s most difficult moments. His debut novel, The Circles We Carry, will be published on December 4, 2026.

Walk On was honored as a “Good Morning America” Book Club Buzz selection and a category finalist in the Eric Hoffer International Book Awards. The most influential voice in the publishing world, Kirk’s reviews, proclaimed Walk On to be “a raw, moving memoir that deftly explores grief and hope in equal measure.”Its impact extends far beyond the pages. Proceeds from the book support the Jake Panus Walk On Scholarships, which supports three college scholarships in South Dakota, South Carolina, and Connecticut. Each scholarship fuels a cause close to Jake's heart; spreading joy by helping young, underserved children pursue their college dreams.

In addition to his writing and inspirational speaking, Stephen is a passionate mentor, coach and advocate teaching leadership development, personal growth, and resilience. Whether mentoring students, athletes or executives, speaking to groups, connecting with readers, or working to help those in need move forward, his goal is to empower others to hone their mindset in order to overcome challenges, walk forward in their lives with purpose, embrace the freedom to fail, exhibit peace and patience under pressure, and, ultimately, to become the best version of themselves.

Stephen has been a publicist, sports agent, artist, attorney, sports marketing executive, painter, author, mentor & coach, and inspirational speaker. He’s represented an NFL Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl champion, a multiple-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and a “Dancing with the Stars” champion, international star tennis players, and television personalities, among others. Yet, the only title that’s ever mattered to him has been being a father.  

Stephen and his wife, Kellie, live  in the Northeast with their son, Liam,  daughter, April, and two dogs (Pearl and  Jedi).

Why Stephen Panus?

Stephen Panus brings together a rare combination of resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership; forged not only through decades of professional excellence, but through the crucible of personal tragedy and loss. He is someone who has operated at the highest levels of sports, media, and brand storytelling, yet remains deeply human, grounded, and values-led. He exemplifies the message that “our pain is part of us, it’s just not the end of us.”

What sets Stephen apart is his ability to turn pain into purpose. After the devastating loss of his son Jake, Stephen didn’t retreat. . .he transformed. He channeled his grief into service, legacy-building, advocacy, creating college scholarships for those in need, and writing a book that inspires others to “Walk On” in the face of adversity or hardship.

His uniqueness lies in his empathy and emotional intelligence - a powerful balance of strength and vulnerability. He listens deeply, leads with his heart, and communicates with clarity, making people feel seen, heard, and inspired. Whether he’s speaking on a stage, mentoring a student, athlete or peer, or coaching a team, Stephen brings a presence that’s both grounded and galvanizing.

In a chaotic world often defined by surface and speed, Stephen Panus stands out as someone who lives and leads with depth, dignity, and a relentless commitment to helping others rise, just as the human spirit was designed to do.

"The storm doesn’t last forever, but the strength it builds within you will"

- Stephen Panus

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