Honest. Raw. Candid. Inspiring.

What if the hardest moment of your life could become the most powerful chapter of your story? I’ve walked that road…and I’ve learned that even when your darkest moments attempt to define your story, resilience gives you the power to rewrite it. When life knocked me down, I discovered the strength to turn heartbreak into hope and to walk on …and you can too.

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On September 2021, just over a year after the unimaginable loss of my 16-year-old son, Jake, I stepped onto a stage for the first time, not as a seasoned public speaker, but as a grieving father carrying a weight far heavier than words could ever capture. My heart trembled. My voice cracked. But in that moment, something shifted. What began as a tribute to my son became the spark of a transformation from pain into purpose. I wasn’t just speaking. I was bleeding truth in front of an audience. Raw. Honest. Human.

The ripple effect was immediate. That audience didn’t just hear me, they felt me. They saw in me a reflection of their own pain, their own losses, their own longing for hope. And through my courage to speak openly and honestly, they found a permission to feel. To heal.

From that first speech, a new purpose began to grow. "Walk On" was penned and ultimately published in April of 2024, earning national adulation. But let me be clear: this isn’t about accolades. This isn’t about me. This is about you.

Because whether you’ve lost a loved one, your sense of direction, your health, your job, your relationship with a significant other or your voice… the pain is real. And it’s valid. But it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. See...our vulnerability is our strength!

In the years since, I have become a sought-after inspirational speaker, invited to stages across schools, companies, athletic programs, colleges and universities, conferences, and events. Not for my polish, but for my power. Not for my resume, but for my resilience. My voice became a vessel of a message of resilience and rebirth. Each talk is a testament. Not just to Jake’s life, but to life itself. I remind people what truly matters most: love over status, moments over things, presence over perfection. My words echo long after the microphone is turned off. People don’t just leave inspired, they leave changed.

My keynote speeches became more than words, they became lifelines. People find courage in my story, hope in my pain, and direction through my purpose. I didn’t just survive tragedy; I alchemized it. I became a living example of what it means to rebuild when the foundation crumbles; To honor someone not only with tears, but with impact.

Jake’s spirit runs through every speech, every step I take on that stage. And while nothing will ever fill the hole left behind, I now “Walk On” in the light of something sacred, a father’s love turned into a legacy filled with light, peace, and hope. Through my voice, Jake lives on. Through my purpose, others rise.

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Through powerful storytelling and an authentic spirit, Stephen Panus delivers an inspirational and personal story of overcoming tragedy, finding hope within the darkness, and turning pain into purpose. Stephen’s natural and candid testimony leaves his audiences transformed, hopeful, motivated to live in the present moment, and fully embracing the wholeness of life. Stephen deftly shares the importance of indispensable values and traits and, ultimately, reveals a pathway for becoming the best version of ourselves. 

In confronting his own traumatic grief and tragedy, Stephen discovered the connectivity between agony and optimism, despair and self-awareness, forgiveness and accountability, and beauty and suffering. The line separating each is much finer than we may think.

Stephen artfully carries forward and honors the legacy of his late son, Jake, and reveals that the answers towards leading a life filled with purpose and meaning reside within all of us. His convincing and engaging ability to relate to wide-ranging audiences and his uplifting nature will inspire you to not waste another day of your life.

Ultimately, every challenge in our life comes to make or break us. The choice is ours whether we become a victim or the victor. What are you willing to risk to achieve what you want from life?

Speech tHEMES:

•Overcoming Adversity and the power of Resilience

• Walk On: Turning Pain into Purpose

• Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

• Leadership During Challenging Times

•Living Authentic and Inspiring Others

audiences:

• Executive Leadership

• Professionals and Entrepreneurs

• Educational Institutions

• Student-athletes

•Community Organizations and Associations

• Mentors, Coaches & Parents

TESTIMONIALS

“I knew that there was something special and different about Stephen. I was blown away by his resolve and quiet strength in a dark time. I know he would be determined to turn a devastating tragedy into something positive.”

- Shane Beamer, Head Football Coach, University of South Carolina

“After enduring any parent’s worst nightmare, the fact that Stephen Panus was able to get up was impressive, but the fact that he now spends his life teaching others how to Walk On is simply remarkable. Stephen moves hearts and minds to recognize both the finiteness of life as well as the limitless potential within it. I hear speakers all over the world, but his message remains with me and has positively changed me.”

- John O’Leary, #1 National bestselling author of “On Fire” and accomplished keynote speaker

“Stephen is a light in the world, having taken darkness and made a light for so many.”

- Marty Smith, ESPN reporter and NY Times best-selling author

“I first heard Stephen Panus speak at the Verso Studios at The Westport Library when he was interviewed about his book, WALK-ON, by Lindsay Czarniak. He shared stories of Jake’s contagious joy, his ability to lift others up, and his lifelong love for the Gamecocks (South Carolina football). Since then, I’ve had the immense pleasure of getting to know Stephen, and I’m so moved by his kindness, resilience and the impact he and his wife are making in the world while honoring Jake’s legacy.”

- Stephanie Szostak, Actress and Author (“Self!sh: Step into a journey of self-discovery to revive confidence, joy and meaning”)

“It takes an extraordinary lion heart to rise in the ways Stephen has, speaking with tremendous poise, presence, and power. His courage to talk about, inspire, encourage, and share his journey definitely is a light of hope for others to call upon their own courage to walk on and shine on.”

- Mitch Davidowitz, psychotherapist, writer, photographer and inspirational teacher known globally

“Stephen is changing lives!”

- Jody Wright, Head football Coach, Murray State

“Stephen delivers a great message, and I loved what he has to say about forgiveness.”

- Lauren Sisler, ESPN sports reporter, author and keynote speaker

“Stephen is making such a beautiful impact everywhere he speaks.”

- Rev. Dr. Alida Ward, Greenfield Hill Congregational Church

“Stephen captured the attention of 750 middle school and high school boys with his powerful and intimate story of loss, grief, resilience, and the search for meaning after a tragedy. Our students were profoundly affected by Stephen’s plea to “walk on” with kindness, compassion, faith, and service.”

- John Serafine, McQuaid Jesuit High School Principal

“Stephen was the speaker at our event and it was one of the most moving stories I have ever heard, including his additional shares/responses by way of audience member’s questions: spiritual, empowering, love-filled, and vulnerable.”

- ​Connie Pappas, professional leadership and communication coach

“It was an honor to welcome Stephen Panus to speak about his experiences of the life-changing of becoming a parent, and the earth shattering experience of losing his son Jake at age 16. In sharing his story, Stephen gives freely of hard-won wisdom distilled from the depth of grief and soul-work of moving through it with honor, gratitude, and compassion. As a pastor, it brought tremendous value to bring Stephen to speak, many among us carry the grief of child loss.”

- The Rev. Matt Lindeman, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church