W Mitchell

W Mitchell, born William John Schiff III on April 11, 1943, later adopted the name W Mitchell in honor of his stepfather, Luke Mitchell. Prior to his career as a motivational speaker, Mitchell served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1971, while working as a gripman on a San Francisco cable car, he sustained severe burns over 65% of his body in a motorcycle accident. This incident resulted in significant scarring to his face and hands and the loss of most of his fingers. Following his recovery, Mitchell completed pilot training. In 1975, he co-founded Vermont Castings with Murray Howell and Duncan Syme, a company specializing in energy-efficient wood-burning stoves, which eventually reached a valuation of $65 million. During a business trip for Vermont Castings in 1975, Mitchell was involved in a small aircraft crash during takeoff, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite these challenges, he continued to pursue various endeavors.

Mitchell’s career progression included a period in public service when he was elected Mayor of Crested Butte, Colorado, in 1977. In this role, he successfully opposed AMAX (now Freeport-McMoRan)’s plans to build a molybdenum mine on Mount Emmons, a project he credits with “saving a mountain.” His experiences led him to become a prominent motivational speaker, frequently addressing audiences on topics of change and responsibility. He has authored two books, “The Man Who Would Not Be Defeated” (1993) and “It’s Not What Happens To You, It’s What You Do About It” (1997), which further disseminate his message. Mitchell’s work has been recognized globally, with appearances on television programs such as “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” and “NBC Nightly News.”

He has worked with numerous corporations and associations across North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His client list includes major financial institutions such as AETNA, Allstate, American Express, Bank One, Cigna, Equitable Life, Fireman’s Fund, ITT Hartford, Lincoln Mutual, Merrill Lynch, Million Dollar Round Table, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, Pioneer Life, and Prudential Life Insurance. Mitchell’s consistent message, often summarized as “It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it,” emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes, regardless of circumstances. He has met with various leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and CEOs, delivering his message of resilience and proactive engagement.