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, West has spent his life challenging expectations - using adversity and lived experience as a catalyst for impact.

Today, West is one of the most recognizable and influential disability advocates in the world. With a social community of over 4 million followers on TikTok, millions more across Instagram and YouTube, and a growing global audience, West combines humor, vulnerability, and powerful insight to challenge assumptions about disability, belonging, and identity.

West first captured international attention when he summited Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and wheelchair, a seven-day, 19,340-foot ascent completed to raise awareness and funds for clean water and global education. The climb became the basis for the feature documentary “Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and spotlighted West’s belief that we can help reduce barriers—physical or otherwise—through community collaboration, courageous vulnerability, and creativity.

West’s bestselling memoir, “Standing Tall: My Journey,” chronicles his early life, the loss of his legs, and the experiences that shaped his resilience and purpose. His forthcoming book, “Breaking Free, Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself” (Hay House, May 2026), offers a powerful and more vulnerable look at West’s journey, blending personal stories with practical guidance on shedding expectations, embracing identity, and living authentically.

West has spoken to audiences worldwide, from educational institutions and corporations to global leadership arenas, inspiring millions to challenge their assumptions and lead with empathy. He has shared the stage with prominent figures such as Mia Farrow, Jennifer Hudson, Martin Sheen, Martin Luther King III, and Natalie Portman, and was the opener for the North American portion of the Demi Lovato World Tour, bringing his message to audiences of tens of thousands.

West 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, West 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. West currently resides in Toronto, Canada.