Meet John & Mark
Keynote speakers who inspire, entertain and deliver concrete steps on inclusive hiring, leading with purpose and creating engaged workplaces.
A TRUE DYNAMIC DUO
Why Organizations Bring Us In
John and Mark X. Cronin are a father-son team who built one of the world’s most recognized social enterprises and now help organizations apply those same principles to their own workplaces.
What began as a simple idea, creating a job for John when none existed, became John’s Crazy Socks, a global business built on a mission to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can do.
Today, they bring their experience of overcoming adversity and spreading happiness to stages across North America:
- Real business results
- Real leadership lessons
- Real stories that move people to act
They don’t speak about theory. They show what works.
“Inclusion is not charity. It’s good business.”
Quick Facts
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (John)
- Testified twice before the U.S. Congress
- Spoken at the United Nations
- Two-time TEDx speakers
- Trusted by Microsoft, SHRM, Bank of America, and LinkedIn
- Appeared on CBS, ABC, Fox, PBS, CNBC, the BBC and the CBC
- Built a business shipping to 90+ countries
- More than half their employees have a differing ability
TRUSTED BY
OUR PURPOSE
Why We Speak
We speak because we want to show how inclusion is good business.
We speak because we see how work changes lives.
We speak because we show how mission and values lead to differentiation in the marketplace.
We speak to share the steps to creating an engaged workplace where people can do their best work.
We didn’t set out to become speakers. We set out to build a meaningful life and real work for John. In doing so, we built a business that proved what’s possible when you bet on people.
Audiences are inspired by their story of turning a problem into a thriving business. They take notes on lessons of inclusive hiring, creating a business with purpose and building an engaged workplace. And they are moved by the love between a father and son that will have you smiling, laughing, tearing up a little and cheering.
On stage, we share what we’ve learned through:
- Story
- Results
- Honest experience
We challenge assumptions and offer practical insight so organizations can rethink what work can be when everyone has the chance to contribute.
Inclusion is not altruism. Happiness is a business strategy. Each of us and each organization can make a difference.
CHIEF HAPPINESS OFFICER
Meet John
John Cronin is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks. Born with Down syndrome, John didn’t wait for opportunity — he created it.
He co-founded a business that:
- Created dozens of jobs
- Ships products around the world
- Has donated over $800,000 to charity partners like the Special Olympics
John sets the tone and culture for everything they do. On stage, he brings humor, authenticity, and a clear message:
Focus on what people can do, not what they can’t.
His presence changes how people see ability and what they expect from themselves and others.
ENTREPRENEUR & STRATEGIST
Meet Mark
Mark X. Cronin is a seasoned entrepreneur, strategist, and advocate for inclusive business.
With a background in public policy and business leadership, Mark has:
- Served as staff for a U.S. Congressman
- Led major healthcare initiatives
- Built and scaled companies
- Advised organizations on strategy and operations
- Taught graduate school at NYU and Columbia
As co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising, he helps organizations understand how purpose and performance work together.
On stage, Mark translates their experience into:
- Practical business strategies
- Leadership insights
- Clear, actionable takeaways
Our mission and values keep us moving in the right direction no matter the challenges we face.
THE EXPERIENCE
What It’s Like to Hear John & Mark
- A fully engaged audience from start to finish
- Laughter, a few tears and a standing ovation
- Practical takeaways leaders can apply immediately
- A message that stays with people long after the event
“This was by far the best talk I have ever heard.”
“The message was powerful and uplifting.”
“You had the highest rated session of the conference.”
“I can’t tell you how much I love those two.”
Bring John & Mark to Your Event
Whether you’re hosting a conference, leadership summit, or corporate meeting, John and Mark deliver a keynote that connects, challenges, and drives action.
We respond within 24–48 hours.