John Kasich

Speech Topics

In an era of heightened polarization, shifting regulations, and growing stakeholder expectations, organizations face increasing pressure to navigate political and social issues without compromising their core values. Drawing on decades of experience in government, business, and finance, former Governor John Kasich shares practical strategies for leading with integrity, earning trust, and making principled decisions—even amid uncertainty and division.

Through his experiences during his career in Congress, the governor’s office, presidential politics, and the private sector, Kasich explores how values-driven leadership strengthens organizations, builds resilient cultures, and positions businesses for long-term success. Audiences will leave with a deeper understanding of how to foster collaboration across differing perspectives, remain focused on organizational mission, and lead confidently through today’s complex political and economic environment.

Audience Takeaways:

Lead with integrity and consistency during times of political and economic uncertainty.
Build trust among employees, customers, investors, and stakeholders with diverse viewpoints.
Navigate political polarization while keeping your organization’s mission and values at the forefront.
Strengthen decision-making by balancing principle, pragmatism, and long-term business objectives.
Foster collaboration, resilience, and unity in an increasingly complex operating environment.

In this speech, Kasich draws on his 18 years as a leader in Congress, his business and media experience, and the many relationships he has developed over the years to demonstrate how each of us can help to make America great. He discusses the concept of raising the bar, and how ordinary Americans have used this formula to make a difference in their own communities. Kasich also talks about making the decision to leave politics because our greatest challenge lies in being part of something bigger than ourselves, and joining a team that accepts personal responsibility. In addressing these issues, he introduces some amazing Americans who have made great contributions to American life by seemingly simple actions and issues a challenge that we all use our special gifts to make a difference where we live and work.

John Kasich believes that traditional American values are in serious danger of being lost. Kasich asserts that this erosion of moral values can be attributed to, among other things, disappointing leadership from elected officials, the growing lack of ethics in business and sports, religious intolerance, and mass media and popular culture. By addressing such fundamental issues as honesty, personal responsibility, integrity, and the importance of leaving the world a better place, Kasich offers both a heartfelt and straightforward solution for all Americans to finally reset our moral compass and learn to Stand for Something.

Biography

John Kasich is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leaving the world around them just a little bit better than they found it.

As the 69^th Governor of Ohio (2011-2019), John Kasich led the Ohio Comeback. In his time as governor, he established JobsOhio, a first of its kind economic-development entity, and helped Ohio diversify its economy and create approximately 500,000 private-sector jobs. He went on to cut a record $5 billion in taxes, cut wasteful spending, reduce red tape and build Ohio’s rainy-day fund to more than $2 billion.Gov. Kasich ran for President in 2016. He was the last candidate to leave the GOP primary and finished third in the total delegate count. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense and the importance of our international alliances.When he served in Congress (1982-2000), John was Chairman of the House Budget Committee and worked across party lines to pass the first federally balanced budget since man walked on the moon. It hasn’t been done again since he left Congress.Gov. Kasich also served for 18 years on the Armed Services Committee where he played a role in every major national security effort that helped end the Cold War. He continues today to be a strong voice for traditional Republican policies of a strong national defense and an advocate for free trade.

After leaving Congress in 2000, Gov. Kasich worked as a managing director in the Investment Banking Division of Lehman Brothers, where he helped companies secure the resources they needed to succeed and create jobs. In addition, Kasich served on multiple boards, including Worthington Industries, Invacare and Instinet. He currently serves as an advisor to Vora Ventures, Invotek Group and serves as board member of Crossover Solutions National Security (XO-NS).

Kasich is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Courage is Contagious; Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul; Every Other Monday; and Two Paths: America Divided or United, which reflects on his 2016 run as Republican Primary Presidential candidate and his hopes for America’s future. His latest book is entitled Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future.

Today, he runs the Kasich Company strategic consulting firm and serves as a television commentator for MS NOW. He is also a fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Health Institute.

Download Bio