I recently traveled to Saratoga Springs, New York to kick off the New York Credit Union Association’s Annual Meeting, where over 600 frontline employees, CEOs, and C-level executives gathered.
The night before the event, I visited the Cooperstown Distillery renowned for its hand-crafted spirits. While sampling their offerings, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman adorned with intriguing tattoos. I complimented his artwork, and our chat soon turned personal when I mentioned the tattoo on my neck—a reminder of the spinal fusion surgery that followed a life-changing car accident at 19, leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. My wife, Kim, had encouraged me to cover it with a tattoo of “Invictus,” a Latin word meaning unconquered, invincible. To my surprise, my newfound friend revealed he also had a connection to “Invictus,” with its empowering final lines inked on his sides: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.”
My journey with “Invictus” began in 1989 when motivational speaker Art Berg, himself a quadriplegic, introduced me to its resilience-inspiring message. Despite Art’s dream to walk again never coming true, he found strength in “Invictus,” sharing its power in his presentations. In 1990, the Baltimore Ravens invited Art to kick off their season, rallying around “Invictus” as their mantra. Despite being underdogs, they defied expectations, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance against the NY Jets in Tampa, Florida. In a poignant moment late in the game, team owner Art Modell knelt beside Art Berg, promising to display “Invictus” on the jumbotron when they won.
Sharing my story with Blain & Laurie Smith, they revealed that their uncle, despite becoming quadriplegic at 35, lived a life unbounded by his physical limitations.
On the road, you never know whom you’ll meet or what common bonds you’ll discover.
To reach me for a speaking opportunity:
Scott Burrows, Keynote Motivational Speaker | Author
Office: 813-477-0862
Website: www.scottburrows.com
Donna Buttice, Business Manager
Office: 630-330-7533
Website: Platinum Speakers Agency: The Best Keynote Speakers for Your Events
Inspiring organizations to cultivate a Vision that transcends boundaries, a Mindset that defies limitations, a Grit that knows no bounds!
