The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumphs. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate a world set against those with disabilities. His many accomplishments, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, and the lessons learned along the way, led him to discover the techniques business leaders, professionals, educators, and young people can use to redefine possible in their own lives and careers. West has inspired millions through his storytelling, humour, and powerful message of resilience.
As a globally renowned speaker, West infuses his talks with humour and humility. His words and actions have encouraged millions to stand up, face challenges, and embrace change, all while instilling hope and empowering leaders to motivate others to create positive change. West’s audiences have included Virgin Atlantic, KPMG, Staples, Microsoft, Ministry of Education, SickKids Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, and more. He has shared the stage with prominent figures such as Mia Farrow, Jennifer Hudson, Martin Sheen, Martin Luther King III, and Natalie Portman, and was the opener for the North American portion of the Demi Lovato World Tour, bringing his message to audiences of tens of thousands.
West is the author of the bestselling memoir Standing Tall: My Journey, and has a forthcoming book, Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself which offers a powerful and more vulnerable look at his journey, blending personal stories with practical guidance on shedding expectations, embracing identity, and living authentically. He is the star of the 2012 documentary film Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and features his journey summitting Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and in his wheelchair. He is also known for his character role, The Window Washer, on Murdoch Mysteries, and as a social media influencer with more than 4 million TikTok followers. West is often featured in the media, including ABC News, BuzzFeed, 60 Minutes, CTV, BBC News, TMZ, CNN, Forbes, The Globe and Mail, CBS This Morning, and Bloomberg.
