About Aaron
Shawn Harper is a former NFL offensive lineman who played for the Rams, Colts, and in NFL Europe. A junior college Hall of Famer at NIACC, he was drafted to the NFL from Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned degrees in criminal justice and sociology.
For nearly 20 years, Shawn has directed American Services and Protection, one of Ohio's largest minority-owned security service providers, based in his hometown of Columbus. He has engaged corporate audiences at notable companies like Dow, Sonic, JP Morgan Chase, FedEx, and Procter & Gamble.
An accomplished author, Shawn's books, *The Winning Edge: 8 Principles That Will Bring Out the Winner in You* and *The Winologist*, are available on Amazon. Growing up in a single-parent household with five siblings, Shawn faced poverty, learning disabilities, and a stutter, earning a "Most Likely to Fail" vote in school. Yet, he transformed adversity into opportunity, inspiring others to embrace a winner’s mindset.
View Popular Speaking Topics
Using the P.L.A.Y Formula to Win in Life
What You Agree to will Make or Break You
Awards & Publications
Books published
More About Aaron
Shawn grew up with 5 siblings in a single-parent household after divorce plunged the family into poverty. He was failing in school due to 5 documented learning disabilities and a debilitating stutter. An average football player with no accolades, he was even voted “Most likely to fail” in his graduating class. Shawn Harper was on the road to becoming another inner-city statistic but chose a new journey by shifting to a winner’s mindset! Shawn learned that he wasn’t disabled; instead, he was uniquely enabled. He made it his mission to help others get out of their own way and equip them with the mindset of Playing to Win!
Reviews
so grateful!
- Susan Barfield
We are so grateful that Shawn came to Austin and delivered an amazing message. I’m still thinking about it and talking about it with my husband. He exceeded my expectations! The moment he began talking, he captured our attention. His delivery and message was spot on and so timely to what we had been discussing this week. He’s such a great storyteller and I’m thankful I found his website and had the good fortune of having him speak to my team.
fantastic presentation
- Dan Fisher
I wanted to thank Shawn again for a fantastic presentation today. Besides my own impression, we had many of our team share their positive take-aways from the experience (including at least one tattoo on the way). I’ve already referred Shawn’s name to several folks I know in the industry.
amazing!
- Shelley Chapman
We were highly satisfied with an amazing presentation that Shawn Harper presented to our company. Everything he touched on was based on what our company is about and what we wanted to be put out to all the employees. The employees feedback was amazing - they thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and I feel that it was a grand finale to our week long shut down for all our safety classes and employee meetings. His family plays a big part in his presentation which that is what our company is all about. His enthusiasm for them also filtered through to all our employees too. I was fortunate to find this wonderful speaker and would recommend him to all.
left feeling motivated
- Charles R. Robinson
Shawn spoke with our agents of Century 21. He challenged us to differentiate ourselves from other Agents and to reach higher goals. I left the room motivated to pursue new objectives and break the script! He is an incredible speaker!
incredible speaker
- Annette Wilcox
Although I was a post-graduate advisor in Shawn’s fraternity, I found Shawn showed incredible nerve and effort in all of his activities. He showed commitment to vitality, scholarship, perseverance, and elevation. Shawn behaves as Jesus would with integrity, sincerity and zeal for love and life. I count Shawn as a friend and colleague!
Strongly recommend
- Tim G.
Our company utilized Shawn to speak at our annual Manager's Meeting in December. This meeting consisted of several different levels of management personnel. Prior to the event Shawn took the time to understand the audience and the different needs of each level and tailored his presentation accordingly. The entire management team left the meeting inspired and motivated. I would strongly recommend Shawn to any organization. His life experience has left him uniquely positioned to relate to any level of your organization.
excellent motivator
- Diana K.
Shawn Harper was an excellent motivator. He kept everyone's attention, read the room well, and I would highly recommend him to any group wanting an upbeat, on the ball speaker.
definitely hire him!
- April H.
Mr. Harper spoke at two events for me in the Spring of 2018. He was entertaining, informative, inspirational, and he and his team were very easy to work with. He spoke the raw truth about what pushed him to succeed with enthusiasm that kept the audience engaged. He was able to tailor his speech to two distinctly different audiences very well. Both audiences really enjoyed Mr. Harper’s presentation. I would definitely hire him again.
incredible speaker
- Annette Wilcox
Although I was a post-graduate advisor in Shawn’s fraternity, I found Shawn showed incredible nerve and effort in all of his activities. He showed commitment to vitality, scholarship, perseverance, and elevation. Shawn behaves as Jesus would with integrity, sincerity and zeal for love and life. I count Shawn as a friend and colleague!
highly recommend
- Cara Shelton
The Fischer Homes BASECAMP training program is designed to develop our Co-Ops and Interns and immerse them in the company culture as they begin their career within the organization. Keynote addresses were a new addition to the program this year. As such, I was specifically looking for a speaker that would set the tone for what our collegiate scholars would experience over the course of the two-day program. The gift we received from Mr. Harper was truly phenomenal. If you are looking for a speaker that will inspire, motivate, challenge, empathize, encourage, engage, and ignite, then look no further. Shawn Harper took us on a journey. From the first sentence, the audience was drawn into his natural storytelling style. We laughed, we paused to reflect, we learned, and at times the room went completely silent as we were on the edge of our seats – hanging on to every word. The wisdom he imparted was priceless. His message will resonate with all – from early childhood to the C-Suite. I appreciate the time he took to ask questions to get to know our organization and our audience. I highly recommend Shawn Harper for your next event. Fischer Homes will be glad to have him again in the future.
changed my life!
- Jenine Johnson
About 12 years ago I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Harper. Two days after our initial meeting, I had him speak at Reynoldsburg High School in Reynoldsburg, OH, where he was addressing a group of young people about the decisions they had been making. That day he changed my life! Since that day I have done all I can to tell my story in the hope to impact lives like Mr. Harper does daily. Thank you for what you do, sir! I hope I can share a stage with you one day!
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