For Meeting Planners

"Pass the salt and make a difference"
-George Burk

George Burk knows and understands adversity and obstacles first hand. A non-survivable military plane crash in 1970 left him burned, broken and paralyzed. But George's positive attitude, courage and humor did not bind him to physical and emotional limitations. His rescue, recovery and journey from burn victim to burn survivor is one of turning the page, never quitting, taking action, making a difference and accepting not what was, but what can be. His life clearly exemplifies his philosophy - "If you expect a difference, make one and if you want a miracle, be one."

From college athlete to Vietnam veteran and beyond, George entertains, informs, inspires and persuades. Through sharing his own story, he challenges people to open their minds and hearts with his anecdotes and stories about life and living and what's really important. The emotions run from laughter to tears to self-introspection - the audience is taken on a journey of self-awareness and to focus on change as an ally, not something to be feared. He shares his journey from drug addiction to sobriety. Reflecting on his crash, burns and injuries, George learned to ask, "What's the worst thing that can happen here?" His reply is always the same - 'It's already happened, there's no second place." With wisdom only gained from God, his self-effacing humor, and insight gained from the school of life, he opens hearts, he tells his audiences what they need to know, not what they want to hear, and encourages people to know they are a product of choices, not circumstances - to learn from their mistakes, accept responsibility and move-on.

George's first book "The Bridge Never Crossed - A Survivor's Search for Meaning" is a compelling story of optimism, perserverance, courage and faith.

Picture of George Presenting
George Burk's Clients Include:
  • "Friends of DaNang" Veterans Organization
  • Wilkins Recreational Vehicle Dealership
  • Collbran Job Corps Center
  • Daltile Corporation
  • United States Naval Academy
  • American Public Power Assoc
  • Oshkosh Truck
  • US Airways
  • America West Airlines
  • City of Langley, B.C.
  • USAVE Auto Rental
  • SUNY Maritime College, Throgs Neck, New York
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Ottawa University
  • Pfizer Global Research
  • CITGO Petroleum
  • Vatterott College
 Some of George's Popular Keynotes and Training Seminars include:
  • Lifeforce: Overcoming Obstacles

    The sole survivor of 14 passengers in a plane crash, George Burk overcame life threatening burns and multiple internal injuries. Watch the edited Discovery Health Channel video and listen to George's remarkable story of survival, tenacity and endurance. His recovery has been called miraculous, courageous and an example of the human spirit. Was his discovery and rescue an accident, fate or divine intervention? His two Near-Death Experiences. The innate will to survive. Find a "why" to live, you can endure almost any "how." Nothing worse than an amputated spirit. Role family, friends, faith, humor and a healthy life style plays during and after recovery. Transformation from burn victim to survivor and overcomer. Acronym PURPOSE, 13 Principles for Life, and Letter from Rose. A vision for success. "When you're sick, dying is easy.

  • Organizational Self-Management

    Moving outside our comfort zones and take risks. Shoveling while the piles are small. You can't steal second base with your foot on first. The six categories of risk and four types of fear. Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things. The "Omega" leader. Center life on principles, not popularity. Creating a personal vision and mission with BHAGs - Big, Hairy, Audacious, Goals.

  • Quality In Life and Work

    Quality improvement can be applied to business and your personal life. George Burk was critically burned and severely injured, the sole survivor of 14 passengers in a military plane crash. Did several of W. Edward Deming's 14 Points for Quality improvement assist him during his recovery, rehabilitation and transformation from victim to survivor? Can applying several of Deming's points - help you and help you assist others to improve their personal and business processes to achieve success in life and business? Hear George's remarkable story and learn what improvement and quality are all about.

  • Value Centered Leadership

    Seven Characteristics of a Value Centered Leader. Create commitment by articulating a vision. Envision a context for change. Authentic self-expression - who you are and what you do and say. Actions mirror your words. Effective leaders MBWA-O. Do you pull from the front or push from behind? Do you try to 'swim' without getting into the water? Six "do's" and "don'ts" when communicating with employees.

  • Develop An Attitude...A 'Safety' Attitude

    Your attitude equals your altitude. Connecting our personal vision with purpose and goals. Cultivating self-esteem and creating a balanced life. Using faith and a holistic lifestyle to enhance your personal journey. Humor will get you through anything. Includes examples (slides) which reinforce the importance of following proper safety procedures, equipment utilization, and materials handling.

  • It's Good To Be Alive

    Connecting Mind, Body & Spirit. Faith, Hope and Holistic Health. We ARE what we eat. Spirituality. The Meaning of Life - Finding PURPOSE. A Lesson Plan for Living. Three Character Traits. 10 Lifeskills. The internal gyroscope. Forging your own path. Sear fear from your soul. Do you have a "Calling?" Who changed your 'bandages'? Your ATTENTION versus your INTENTION. Going beyond your borders. Humor and healing. Being the best you can be. Aspire to Inspire before your Expire.