About


My family put me on the organ transplant list and, against the odds, I got a liver transplant that saved my life. I came away with a new appreciation for how fragile and precious life truly is.

I have been intentional about making the most of my days ever since. I spend my time and energy helping others do the same.

I grew up in Campbell, California. I went to college, planned on going to law school but skipped that to pursue my rock and roll dreams. I learned firsthand why they’re called “starving musicians.”

I eventually got a real job working for a non-profit organization called Young Life. Six years later I found my way into the corporate world. I spent 25 years working in Silicon Valley for companies like Microsoft, VMware, Samsung, and most recently, LinkedIn as the Vice President of Learning & Development.

A few years ago, I left the day-to-day corporate world and now spend my days writing, speaking, and leading leadership and development workshops for companies, and non-profit organizations.

I live in San Jose, California with my wife Vicky, my dog Walter, a dozen guitars and a baby grand piano.

Hello and welcome!

I’m Kevin Delaney. Not the Kevin Delaney who does science experiments with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. Not the Kevin Delaney who is a voice actor for Disney. I am Kevin John Delaney, the author of A Life Worth Living, motivational speaker, and former Learning & Development executive.

A defining moment in my life came over a decade ago. I was in a coma, my body shutting down. Doctors estimated I had only 24 hours to live.

Join me in the pursuit of an extraordinary life

In her poem, The Summer Day, Mary Oliver poses a question we should ask ourselves regularly, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Most of my writing focuses on exploring the best answers to that question.

I’m challenged and inspired by these words from Frederick Buechner:

“One life on this earth is all we get… and the obvious conclusion would seem to be at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can.”

What will I do with my one wild and precious life? I will live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as I can. The purpose of this website, my articles, and books is to share ideas and inspiration that will help and encourage you to do the same.

Some of the topics I write about include:

  • Designing and living a life you’re excited to live

  • Finding contentment and happiness despite life’s challenges and setbacks

  • Creating a successful and significant career

  • Adding more purpose and meaning to your days

  • Ideas on self-improvement, faith, and living of a life of significance

I publish new articles on this site a few times a month. I also write a newsletter with ideas and inspiration for making life extraordinary. My newsletter is free and you can receive it in your email inbox by signing up below.

And of course I invite you to read my books. They are filled with inspiring stories, thought-provoking ideas, and clear steps on how to move from ideas to action, actions that will help you live fully, bravely, and beautifully.

I hope you join me in the intentional and ongoing pursuit of an extraordinary life.