“Life has taught me that every person has a genius inside of them just waiting to be released in some way. Don’t let me be a dream stealer, but allow me to encourage and help people of all ages to realise their potential. Don’t just live for the weekend but set out to enjoy everyday you are alive.”
John Flanner MBE
John Flanner MBE is a man with a life-changing story that has the power to revolutionize your life, transform your work environment, and turn your view of diversity and equality on its head.
John spent the early part of his life as a normal teenager, enjoying a love and passion for Aston Villa Football Club and good music, as well as cherishing a desire to become a professional footballer.
John’s hopes and dreams seemed to have been tragically cut short when he developed Leber’s Optic Atrophy, a hereditary condition from which there is no cure, and he was forced to face the reality of being permanently blind at the tender age of 19.
Since then John has gone on to conquer his many fears, culminating in being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2014 and the National Civil Service Outstanding Achievement Award for his services to Equality and Diversity in 2006. He was presented with the MBE by The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace on 13 February 2015.
 John has used his successful book, ‘Fear, Fun and Faith’, as the basis for a series of transformational talks, pursuing a ‘one man mission’ to change traditional views of diversity, and inspire thousands of people across the country to take hold of their dreams and take positive steps to achieve their goals.
John has delivered his personal brand of passion, humour and encouragement to many business people, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. However, as well as being a highly sought-after motivational speaker, John has also held regular slots on BBC Radio, and has appeared in a “Fly on the Wall” documentary on Central Television.
John would say that after being an audio-typist for many years, he broke out of his comfort zone at the age of 57 through the encouragement and intervention of John Dolan, a Senior Manager at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Mr Dolan read one of his articles and was inspired and moved to send him on a ‘Breakthrough’ course for further training.
What happened next tells a gripping story of the power of positive management intervention, and a deep faith, to help John overcome his fear, leave his comfort zone behind, and make the very best of the hand he has been dealt – with remarkable consequences!
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Winning an Award at the National Civil Service Equality and Diversity Awards ceremony in 2006. From left to right: BBC Reporter Rageh Omaar, John Flanner MBE, Sir Gus O’Donnell, and former HMRC Chairman, Paul Gray.
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John Flanner MBE, being interviewed on a challenging and entertaining lunchtime show on BBC Radio Devon, hosted by David Bassett. John had just written to the Plymouth Argyle Football Manager, Dave Smith, to encourage him.
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John Flanner MBE, enjoying some time in the City of Birmingham.
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Enjoying the garden with his family in 1983. Top row from left to right: Sylvia Flanner and Ian Flanner. Middle row from left to right: Sara Flanner, John Flanner MBE, and Allison Flanner. Front row: Beverley Flanner.
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