News Summary
John Polo, a life coach and motivational speaker, will present a free speech centered on kindness at the Coronado Island Marriott. The talk aims to inspire community members to recognize the power of small acts of kindness and emphasizes personal agency in fostering respect and compassion. Polo’s own experiences with grief and resilience shape his unique perspective, offering attendees valuable insights into promoting kindness in their daily lives. The event is anticipated to attract a diverse audience eager for personal growth and community connection.
Coronado – John Polo, a life coach and motivational speaker, is set to deliver a free speech focused on the theme of kindness at the Coronado Island Marriott on August 28. The event is designed to inspire community members and emphasize the personal agency individuals have in treating others with kindness and respect.
The speech aims to encourage attendees to appreciate the significant impact that simple acts of kindness can have in their daily lives. Polo’s own life experiences have shaped his passion for kindness and resilience, making his message one rooted in personal history and profound understanding.
Polo, who relocated to Coronado from Chicago seven years ago, experienced a transformative journey following the death of his wife, Michelle, due to cancer after a two-and-a-half-year battle. This personal tragedy propelled him into a deeper understanding of grief and kindness, especially in the context of family and relationships. He stepped into the role of a stepfather to Michelle’s daughter, Emma, during this challenging time, further highlighting the importance of open conversations about grief with children.
In the aftermath of his wife’s passing, Polo launched a blog to document his struggles, which garnered attention and support from many facing similar challenges. About eighteen months later, he published his first book, marking the beginning of his evolution into life coaching—a field he ventured into with little financial stability. Surprisingly, this new path quickly blossomed into a successful career, where he integrated his life experiences to help others navigate their own challenges.
Polo has a knack for public speaking, a passion that evolved alongside his life coaching practice. He primarily focuses on topics such as rebuilding after loss and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. His speech at the Coronado Island Marriott promises to be unique, as he aims to share intense personal experiences rather than providing a generic presentation. This authenticity creates a relatable platform for those struggling with their own life challenges.
Throughout his life, Polo has grappled with feelings of loneliness, and he emphasizes the critical role that community plays in mitigating such feelings. His platform promotes self-care, kindness towards oneself, and the importance of treating others with respect. Through social media, workshops, and podcasts, Polo has cultivated a following keen on personal growth and coping with grief.
The narrative he presents is not solely about loss, but also about finding hope amid challenges. He articulates a belief that the world holds beauty, even in tough times, and this outlook forms the core of his message—one that seeks to empower individuals to acknowledge their potential impact through kindness.
Polo’s journey to success features moments of instability and the development of his business from the ground up, illustrating persistence and hard work. The connections he formed with others, especially during a widower conference, exemplify his yearning for community and belonging, making these experiences essential to his presentation.
More personally, Polo and his fiancée, Ali, decided on Coronado as their home, driven by a mutual commitment to live in a walkable community, an adjustment beneficial for Polo’s health conditions. His daughter, who is currently pursuing a career in cosmetology in Illinois, remains a priority in his life, as he supports her independence while hoping she joins them in Coronado in the future.
Polo’s speech on August 28 is expected to resonate with a broad audience, providing individuals with tools to embrace kindness in their lives. By reflecting on his experiences and insights, he encourages everyone to be actively engaged in building a kinder community.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Meet Your Neighbor – John Polo on Grief & Kindness
- Coronado News: Maureen Sweeney Obituary
- Patch: Call for Kindness Winners Include Peachtree Pad
- Washington Post: Bucket List, Cancer & Kindness in Coronado
- 10 News: Millions Given to Black Resource Center Because of One Family’s Kindness 84 Years Ago

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.