Biography
In 1977 weird symptoms began bombarding Jo Franz, and in 1978 she was given the diagnosis of unpredictable, possibly severely disabling MS (multiple sclerosis). Rather than give up she decided to make more than the most out of life, learning that every day can be an adventure if she chose to see it that way. And life became just that--an adventure Jo has shared joyously and humorously with audiences of all ages since 1984! Life has certainly held physical pain. Add the trauma of a cervical spinal cord injury that should have left her a quadraplegic or worse, plus emotional abandonment, and Jo has dealt with more uncertainty in life than most ever do. But she has mined gold from the good and the bad so Jo can impart to others empowering strategies to transform any situation into an adventure that ultimately improves every area of their lives. Jo's talks can be adapted to fit your audience's needs and she can easily fit the theme of your conference.
Watch Jo in Action
Some of Jo’s Talks:
“Live the Best Adventure of All” ™
Jo’s dynamic personality fills the room with her stories about being “The Queen of the Unexpected,” and how she’s learned to SOAR despite anything. Because of her never-give-up attitude her worst struggles have been transformed into adventures of all kinds—paying off in deep emotional growth and living beyond her dreams. As she shares how she transforms her life—the good and the bad—into adventures, Jo inspires you to believe the same can happen for you!
Leadership Requires S.O.A.R.ing! ™
How do you keep hope? How can you give hope to others? You have the privilege of leading them to S.O.A.R. through life despite the unexpected! With humorous vision honed from living with the unpredictability of MS (multiple sclerosis) Jo enthusiastically divulges four empowering principles you can easily implement in every situation. But be aware, you’ll face your own instinctive opposition! Once you realize your inherent denial you’ll be able to identify limitations and achieve growth. These unique tips will enhance every area of your life.
You Can reUnite and reCreate Others and Be reInspired! ™
Jo has been told more than once “You can’t do that” since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It’s just one reason why she can inspire you to believe you can. Jo relates from her humorous and heart-touching experiences how she’s been emboldened to reUnite others around her, creating a crucial support-system that benefits everyone. Jo will impart tips for you to do so in your own arena. Her MS diagnosis as well as the cervical spinal cord injury that should have left Jo a quadriplegic or worse showed her how to reCreate herself and her life. Jo will inspire you to do the same. Jo will prompt you to be the catalyst in others’ lives to dream BIG, achieve more than they thought was possible, making a dramatic difference in their lives while realizing a surprise in the process—by doing so you are more fulfilled and you are the one being reInspired!
You Can Enable the Disabled and Empower the (Seeming) Powerless! ™ (Workshop)
After being diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) in 1978 Jo learned first-hand that people are "dis-abled", society handicaps them. In this experiential and interactive workshop you will discover some of how it feels to be disabled while trying to make it in the world. You’ll experience the attitudes emanated towards those and the words that hurt, though most times unintentionally. But you’ll also discover enriching yet practical truths the disabled want you to know. The various ways they want to be treated, and how you can make an impact in their lives by incorporating them in leadership while learning from the vast treasure of resources with which they’ve learned to operate and excel.
Jo’s presentations can be adapted for associations, businesses, medical, healing, and service organizations, colleges, teens, faith-based groups and more.
"Jo Franz's dynamic personality and refreshing strategies empower people to transform every day into an adventure while enhancing every area of their lives."
James Malinchak
Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the College Soul
"Two-Time College Speaker of the Year" and Speaker of Over 2200 talks
www.Malinchak.com
Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the College Soul
"Two-Time College Speaker of the Year" and Speaker of Over 2200 talks
www.Malinchak.com
“Jo has a refreshingly new way to approach life’s challenges. Jo has a way of putting her audience at ease, helping us to receive what she says in a positive way. I recommend Jo as a speaker because she has so much joy for life, joy to share, and many practical tips for us all as we journey through life.”
Chriss Denny, Lions Clubs International
"Jo has inspired many of people with MS at various National MS Society events across the country, and in the process inspired me."
Katie Croskrey, Executive Director, American Diabetes Association, San Diego, CA (former vice president, Orange County Chapter, National MS Society)
In 1984 Jo was among the first to be trained as a "peer counselor" for other persons with MS by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National MS Society in Colorado.
In 1993 Jo was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" by the Orange County Chapter of the National MS Society in California.