Honest. Raw. Candid. Inspiring.

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 his pain into purpose. Stephen’s natural, candid and raw testimony leaves his audiences transformed, hopeful, and motivated to live in the present moment and fully embrace 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 his audiences and uplifting nature will inspire you to not waste another day of your life.

Choose hope over despondency. Courage over fearfulness. Light over darkness. And, inspiration over disenchantment. 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?

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 had 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