In August 1992, Bill Cawley was 24 years old – a Penn State grad who loved nothing more than playing sports and hanging out with his friends at their beach house on the Jersey shore. He was young…dynamic…and ready to take on the world.
In just three seconds, Bill Cawley’s life changed. Forever.
What started out as a quick dive into the bay ended in tragedy. Bill suffered a freak accident when his foot caught on the dock railing. His head hit the deck, breaking his neck and leaving him a quadriplegic.
Although doctors told him repeatedly that he would never live independently, never use his hands to dress or feed himself ever again, Bill had other ideas. One year later – close to the anniversary of his accident – he was back at work, using a manual wheelchair and living without any assistance.
In 2007, Bill left a very successful 14 year professional career at two Fortune 500 companies where he held senior management positions across numerous divisions. He has started his own consulting company to help businesses and people achieve peak performance. Married with three beautiful children, Bill also spends his time working with Family and Friends Curing Paralysis, a nonprofit group which he founded. Of course, as a typical husband and father, he’s often busy watching swimming lessons, calling the plumber and making plans to have his in-laws visit. And he still vacations every summer at the Jersey shore.
Bill calls his perspective “Life on Your Terms,” a powerful and inspirational step-by-step approach to overcoming everyday obstacles, large and small, and shaping your future. He is actively sharing this message of strength and determination with audiences everywhere. Down-to-earth and always humorous, Bill’s words have motivated corporations, teams, schools and other groups.
What he has to say about setting goals, overcoming personal and professional challenges, accepting change and succeeding within a team will surprise, delight and exhilarate listeners.
