Dr. Josephson offers interactive motivational and inspiring talks with evidence-based studies, and real-life experiences focused on human potentialities, and positive psychology. The audience will embrace the lessons learned and apply them toward their own life-long journey to sustainable happiness and success using his seven evergreen foundational principles.
Interactive & Inspiring Engagements
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Endorsed & Approved Speaker For:
Engagements
10/22/2026: Collaboratory in Fort Myers
I’m excited and honored to share that I’ll be speaking at Collaboratory in Fort Myers on October 22 for an evening centered on a mission that has become deeply meaningful to me: helping others reach their full potential and discover the extraordinary within themselves.
Collaboratory is much more than a gathering place. As Southwest Florida’s Community Foundation, it brings people, ideas, organizations, and resources together to address important challenges and create lasting impact across our region. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of that mission.
What excites me most about this evening is bringing together people at every stage of life—students, emerging leaders, established professionals, and those looking toward their next chapter.
I’ll be sharing timeless principles from Ordinary to Extraordinary for navigating adversity, strengthening our mindset, building meaningful relationships, realizing our potential, and creating lives of greater purpose, happiness, and success.
The mission behind Ordinary to Extraordinary has always been bigger than a book: to help every child reach their full potential and inspire every adult to discover the extraordinary within themselves.
The extraordinary is already within each of us. Sometimes we simply need to discover it.
I hope to see many friends, colleagues, students, professionals, and members of our Southwest Florida community on October 22!
07/31/2026: Keiser University-Naples
Keynote
Every commencement marks a beginning.
This past Friday, I had the tremendous honor of delivering the commencement address for the graduates of Keiser University – Naples.
Looking out at the graduates and their families, I was reminded that every new beginning is filled with hope and possibility. I shared how childhood adversity shaped a life dedicated to serving children and families—and the seven timeless, evergreen principles that have guided that journey.
The central message I hoped to leave with every graduate was simple:
"The Extraordinary Is Already Within You."
Extraordinary lives are not reserved for extraordinary people. They are built by ordinary people who make extraordinary choices.
These timeless, evergreen principles are explored in Ordinary to Extraordinary, but more importantly, they are meant to be lived. My hope is that they encourage others to discover the extraordinary already within them.
I am deeply grateful to President Lisamarie Winslow, Belinda Keiser, Board of Trustees, the faculty, staff, and everyone at Keiser University for their warm hospitality and for the privilege of sharing in such a meaningful milestone.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to the families whose love, encouragement, and sacrifices made this day possible. May this commencement be only the beginning of extraordinary lives.
When we help children reach their full potential, they grow into adults who live extraordinary lives and, in turn, inspire others to do the same.
Thank you, Keiser University, for an evening I will always cherish.
"We had the honor of Dr. Gary Josephson as our 2026 keynote commencement speaker for graduation, and he was just amazing. Genuine, simple, heartfelt, practical messages. Just what graduates should be exposed to as they are entering this new chapter, after graduation. Not only is Dr. Josephson an accomplished specialty pediatric surgeon, proven healthcare executive, he also is the author of a very practical life lesson book/how to, Ordinary to Extraordinary. If you think this sounds like a commercial, I challenge you to read it and tell me otherwise!
Thank you Dr. Josephson"
Keiser University Naples Campus
Lisamarie Winslow
05/30/2026: Lee Health CME Well-Being Retreat
I am grateful for the opportunity to present "Ordinary to Extraordinary: Managing Adversity, Building Prosperity" at the Lee Health CME Well-Being Retreat held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
A special thank you to Jennifer Carrion for her leadership in organizing and guiding such a meaningful event. Jennifer and the Lee Health team created an environment that encouraged reflection, connection, learning, and renewal for clinicians across the organization.
I was honored to share lessons from my personal and professional journey and to provide each attendee with a copy of my book, Ordinary to Extraordinary. My hope is that its message serves as a reminder that adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose, and positive change.
As healthcare leaders, we rightly focus on delivering exceptional patient-centered care. Equally important is caring for the physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and clinicians who dedicate their lives to serving others. When we invest in the well-being, resilience, and fulfillment of our healthcare teams, we strengthen our ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care for every patient and family we serve.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to an inspiring weekend. I left encouraged by the commitment of Lee Health's clinicians and leaders and optimistic about the future of healthcare.
03/09/2026: Discussion with students at STEMCAT
Honored to speak with the inspiring students at STEMCAT—young individuals in foster care pursuing opportunity, growth, and a brighter future with incredible resilience. I shared a message on going from ordinary to extraordinary and the limitless potential within each of us. Their engagement, honesty, and determination were truly powerful.
Grateful to also share a complimentary copy of my book, Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles to Life Success, as a small way to support their continued journey. Congratulations to STEMCAT—your impact across Southwest Florida is meaningful, lasting, and inspiring.
A short video below that highlights the incredible work STEMCAT is doing.
08/05/2024: ACHE Western Florida Panel Discussion
I am grateful to have been asked to participate on this informative panel with outstanding colleagues and leaders about quality and safety in healthcare. A high priority for sure to deliver the best care for the patients and families we serve, while advocating for our providers that deliver top care with compassion. Thank you to the American College of Healthcare Executives for sharing knowledge and wisdom with your membership. ACHE leads with Extraordinary!
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08/09/2023: Brigham and Women's Hospital
I am so thankful and honored for the invitation and opportunity to present “Ordinary to Extraordinary” for the OPD Professional Fulfillment Series at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The wonderful hospitality, kindness, and thoughtful questions made the visit extraordinary! No matter our background or life experiences, the engagement and enthusiasm from this audience for learning the ingredients to reach “self-actualization” and our fullest potential was clearly evident and enjoyed. I would like to extend a special appreciation to Dr. Jennifer Shin, Ashley Morales-Garcia, Carly Forrester and the faculty and staff for making this such a successful event. Thank you!
04/06/2023: UNF Brooks College of Health Leadership Institute
I am grateful for being offered the opportunity to give the annual Reid Baggett Leadership Lecture at the University of North Florida. The event was wonderful, and the audience was so engaged. Thank you! Special thanks for Dr. Shyam Paryani, Wes Marsh, the UNF faculty and
staff, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and all the other participating sponsors that made this event possible and successful. As shared human potentialities are unlimited. I wish all a happy, bright, and successful path forward! With all my gratitude to join you.
03/24/2023: University of Florida Masters in Health Administration Seminar
Thank you to the University of Florida MHA program for using "Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles for Life Success" as a common read, and giving me the privilege to share a lecture and speak with your students. I thoroughly enjoyed this time together. What a bright, talented and engaging group! I would also like to offer a special thanks to Professor Keith Benson for coordinating and supporting this event for his students. I am grateful they are joining me on the journey of taking ordinary to extraordinary, and helping others do the same!
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02/17/2023: Federation of State Medical Boards meeting in San Antonio Texas
Thank you FSMB for joining us on the journey of helping more people go from ordinary 2 extraordinary! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with you.
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02/10/2023: Morgan Stanley Conference
Thank you to Morgan Stanley for the opportunity to share more about the ordinary 2 extraordinary mission. Thank you for joining us on the journey and helping more people!
