Speaker Series: Spencer West

Spencer West is a globally renowned keynote speaker, author, content creator, and activist whose life embodies resilience, creativity, and the power of redefining what's possible. Born with a rare genetic condition that resulted in the loss of his legs at the age of five, Spencer has inspired millions through his storytelling, humour, and powerful message of resilience.

He first gained global attention after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and in his wheelchair, a journey featured in the documentary Redefine Possible, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Spencer is the author of the bestselling memoir Standing Tall, and his forthcoming book, Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself (Hay House, May 2026), offers a deeper and more vulnerable look at how we can shed limitations, embrace identity, and live authentically. With more than 4 million TikTok followers and a strong presence across Instagram and YouTube, Spencer uses his platform to challenge assumptions about disability and belonging.

Spencer has been featured on ABC News, CBS This Morning, CTV, and in The Globe and Mail, among others. Whether he's climbing mountains, sharing his journey online, or helping audiences rethink their relationship to adversity, Spencer continues to spark meaningful global conversations about disability, inclusion, pride, and possibility. His work reminds us that challenges and expectations do not define us; how we respond and navigate them does. Spencer currently resides in Toronto, Canada.