ST. LOUIS - TelAve -- National bestselling author and speaker John O'Leary urged St. Louis's top corporate attorneys to embrace adversity and live "radically inspired" lives during a presentation to the Association of Corporate Counsel St. Louis Chapter (ACC STL) Tuesday, July 22.

The event, held for members and guests at the Missouri Botanical Garden, provided a unique backdrop for O'Leary's powerful message of resilience and optimism.

O'Leary, a St. Louis native, shared his personal story of surviving a devastating house fire at age nine, which left him with burns on 100% of his body. He recounted the long and painful recovery, the individuals who inspired him, and the pivotal moments that taught him not just to survive, but to thrive.

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"The challenges in our lives are not there to stop us; they are there to show us what we are capable of," O'Leary told the audience of in-house counsel from a wide range of local and national corporations. "You don't move forward in spite of your challenges; you move forward because of them."

Attendees were visibly moved as O'Leary wove humor and heartfelt emotion into his narrative, encouraging the legal professionals to see their own professional and personal obstacles as opportunities for growth.

"John's message was a powerful reminder for our members about the importance of perspective," said Barry Klinckhardt, Chapter Committee Chairperson who organized the event.  "In a high-stress profession, his story about overcoming unimaginable odds to find joy and purpose is exactly what we needed to hear. It's about redefining what it means to be successful."

The presentation was part of ACC STL's ongoing commitment to providing its members with professional development that addresses not only legal skills but also personal well-being and leadership.

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About the Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter:

The Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter, the premier bar association for in-house counsel, was founded in 1987. The Chapter has more than 650 members who represent over 175 organizations. The St. Louis Chapter's commitment to its members and community has earned it an impressive list of accolades as a leader in the global network of chapters:

• Chapter of the Year 2012 and 2015,
• Best Membership Strategy Award 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation in 2018-24,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023, and
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.