JGo Gordon | Keynote Speaker
Right Where You Belong
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JGo has consistently captivated our conference attendees as the Master of Ceremonies for the past four years. His creativity, inspiration, and informative approach make every event memorable. JGo's ease in planning and exceptional connection with the audience come highly recommended for any event that aims to truly engage and entertain.âťž
Allison Powell
Chief Operating Officer
The Community Advancing
Digital Learning
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JGo has a unique ability to read the room and nurture spaces. Year after year, I returned to the safety of JGo's workshops, knowing that I would continue to grow as a person, a leader, and an educator. I was inspired to join JGo's team and learn how expertly he anticipates the needs of each learning moment and collaborates with others to craft elevated learning spaces.âťž
Danae Howe
Assistant Head of Middle School and Director of Equity and Inclusion
Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences
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JGo effectively facilitated multiple meetings of our large group of participants and guided us toward the creation of a product that still is in use today in Illinois and across the country. He led us through an exercise on 'Introducing Your Best Self' that effectively focused our expansive ideas. I highly recommend JGo for any work involving facilitation and staff development.âťž
Erika Hunt
Co-director
Center for the Study of Education
Policy, Illinois State University
Meet JGo!
JGo Gordon is a captivating storyteller and dynamic speaker who draws upon a rich tapestry of experiences as an educator, entrepreneur, entertainer, and explorer. With degrees from Yale and Columbia Universities, JGo's deep understanding of learning and human development is informed by years spent as a middle and high school teacher, a middle school principal, and as a Senior Learning Strategist and Director of Content in the ed-tech sector. This diverse background provides a unique lens through which JGo crafts inspirational learning environments for audiences of all kinds.As the co-founder of Written Out Loud, an entrepreneurial venture focused on amplifying voices and fostering connection through storytelling, JGo brings a practical and innovative spirit to every engagement. Beyond the classroom and boardroom, JGo has also graced prestigious stages such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, demonstrating a natural ability to connect and engage with audiences on a profound level. With a deep appreciation for human connection, JGo strives to cultivate and nurture authentic spaces of belonging, as he shares insightful perspectives and actionable takeaways that empower individuals and organizations to thrive.As an educator, JGo has taught Social Studies, Language Arts, Economics, Music, Storytelling, Computer Science, Theater, and Theory of Knowledge in multiple states and countries. JGo graduated from Yale with a B.A. in Anthropology and African & African American Studies, went on to get his masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University's Teachers College, and has made every effort to learn from as many people and experiences as possible along the way.
Current Keynotes
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The Belonging Blueprint: Driving Productivity and Retention Through Connection and Belonging
In today's competitive business landscape, fostering a strong sense of belonging within teams is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a critical driver of productivity, innovation, and employee retention. In this insightful presentation, JGo draws upon his diverse experiences in education, entrepreneurship, and performance to illustrate the profound impact of belonging in the workplace. Sharing his personal journey of finding belonging in team-oriented environments and the lessons learned from creating inclusive spaces, JGo provides compelling examples of how fostering compassion, high expectations, equity, authenticity and trust, translate into tangible business benefits, from increased collaboration and engagement to reduced turnover and enhanced creativity. This presentation offers practical strategies and actionable insights for leaders and managers to cultivate a workplace culture where every team member feels valued, respected, and a strong sense of belonging, ultimately leading to greater individual and organizational success.
From Burnout to Belonging: Transforming the Workplace into a Space of Wellbeing
Burnout isn't just an individual struggle; it's a systemic challenge that impacts professionals across industries. This speech explores how fostering a culture of belonging—through creating spaces of compassion, high expectations, equity, authenticity and trust—can combat burnout and reignite joy in the workplace. Drawing on compelling data, JGo uncovers how belonging boosts performance, reduces turnover, and enhances overall wellbeing. Learn practical strategies to create environments where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, leading to healthier teams and thriving organizations. Discover how to shift from merely avoiding burnout to actively cultivating a workplace where deeply rooted purpose sustains engagement and professionals rediscover their commitment to having a powerful impact on those they serve.
The Connection Cheat Code: Creating Environments Where Every Student Thrives
Creating a truly inclusive school culture where every student feels a deep sense of belonging is paramount to their academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on his extensive experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader, JGo Gordon offers a compelling and practical framework for building these vital bridges of belonging. Sharing his own experiences of navigating environments where belonging was both present and absent, JGo illuminates the critical role educators play in shaping students' sense of connection. JGo reveals his "CHEAT Code" for Belonging: Compassion, High Expectations, Equity, Authenticity, and Trust - providing concrete examples of how these principles can be implemented in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and school-wide policies. He then offers actionable steps that students can use to navigate social dynamics, build meaningful connections, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within their own school experience.