John J. Murray Jr.
KEYNOTES
Story-driven keynote experiences for faculty, staff, administrators, public-service professionals, students, and emerging leaders.
Real Stories. Tested Leadership. Practical Takeaways.
HATS OFF
Using A-Formation Leadership to Improve
Collaboration and Morale
Educators and staff members carry more than one role into the workplace. They are instructors, supervisors, mentors, colleagues, parents, problem-solvers, and advocates. When expectations become unclear or people feel that only one part of their contribution is recognized, collaboration weakens and morale begins to suffer.
In Hats Off, John J. Murray Jr. introduces A-Formation Leadership, a practical framework for building stronger working relationships through respect, trust, vulnerability, collaboration, empathy, and connection. Through engaging stories and real-world education examples, John helps participants recognize the different “hats” people wear and understand how leadership behavior affects the experience of the entire team.
Audiences will leave with:
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A practical framework for strengthening collaboration
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Greater awareness of the roles and pressures colleagues carry
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Strategies for improving trust and workplace morale
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A clearer understanding of how leaders shape culture
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Practical language for addressing disconnection before it becomes conflict
STOP, DROP, & ROLL
A Leader's Guide to Conflict Situations
Conflict in education is rarely limited to one conversation. It can affect classrooms, departments, campuses, student services, leadership teams, and relationships with families and community partners.
In Stop, Drop, & Roll, John gives education leaders a memorable framework for responding when emotions rise, communication breaks down, or difficult situations threaten trust. Drawing from conflict resolution, law, higher education leadership, public safety, and organizational experience, John shows audiences how to help people feel heard, understood, and valued without avoiding accountability or
lowering expectations.
Audiences will leave with:
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A repeatable framework for difficult conversations
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Strategies for reducing defensiveness and escalation
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Better questions to ask during conflict
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Greater confidence addressing problems early
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A clearer distinction between listening, agreement, and accountability
BUILDING YOUR CITY UPON A HILL
How Education Leaders Avoid Shipwrecks On Their Teams
Every education leader is building something others can see. Culture is shaped by what leaders communicate, reward, tolerate, ignore, and model. When those signals become inconsistent, even capable teams can lose trust, direction, and confidence.
In Building Your City Upon a Hill, John explores how leaders create cultures worth following and how seemingly small leadership decisions can place teams on a course toward success or shipwreck. Through historical insight, storytelling, and practical leadership examples, he challenges participants to examine the example they are setting and the culture they are helping construct.
Audiences will leave with:
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A clearer understanding of how culture is built
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Greater awareness of leadership blind spots
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Strategies for protecting trust during pressure and change
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Practical ways to align expectations and behavior
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A renewed commitment to becoming the example others need
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
From Setbacks to Breakthroughs
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Education professionals are often asked to keep moving forward while carrying disappointment, change, uncertainty, and responsibilities others never see. The obstacle in front of them can feel like evidence that the goal is slipping away.
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In The Other Side of the Mountain, John uses unforgettable personal stories to explore the relationship between perspective, perseverance, identity, and breakthrough. He shows audiences that setbacks do not always mean they are on the wrong path. Sometimes the mountain is shaping the person who will be ready for what waits on the other side.
Audiences will leave with:
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A new perspective on setbacks and adversity
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Greater confidence during seasons of uncertainty
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A deeper understanding of how preparation shapes opportunity
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Practical encouragement for moving forward
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A renewed sense of purpose in the work they do
SHOW 'EM WHERE YOU LIVE
Motivating Today's Leaders by Looking Back
and Winning Forward​
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Every educator and emerging leader arrives at an important moment carrying more preparation than others can see.
In this inspiring and deeply personal keynote, John J. Murray Jr. shares the unusual challenge his grandmother gave him before every major competition: “Show ’em where you live.” Without revealing its meaning too soon, John takes audiences through a story of identity, perseverance, preparation, and responsibility. He challenges educators, students, public-safety professionals, and emerging leaders to recognize what has shaped them and step confidently into the opportunities ahead.
Audiences will leave with:
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Greater confidence in the preparation they already possess
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Renewed appreciation for mentors and formative experiences
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Motivation to meet opportunity with courage
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A deeper understanding of leadership as responsibility
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A personal challenge to honor where they come from through how they move forward
