Against All Odds: John Brink’s Journey from War-Torn Holland to Business Leadership in Canada

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of The Amazing Authorities Podcast, host Mitch Carson sits down with John Brink, an 85-year-old entrepreneur, author, and World War II survivor whose life story is a testament to resilience, grit, and unstoppable vision.

John takes us back to his earliest childhood memories—bombers overhead during the Nazi occupation of Holland, the trauma of separation from his father, and surviving the hunger winter of 1944.From those harrowing beginnings, John forged an extraordinary path: immigrating to Canada with $25.47 in his pocket, founding multiple successful businesses, and becoming a highly respected thought leader and author.

He opens up about living with PTSD, overcoming learning disabilities, discovering Toastmasters, and reframing ADHD as his superpower. Through sheer determination and relentless work ethic, John turned his pain into purpose, now inspiring thousands with his book Against All Odds.

You’ll learn:

• What it was like to grow up in war-torn Holland and survive German occupation

• How John built a business empire after arriving in Canada with nothing

• The hidden costs of entrepreneurial success on relationships and family

• How Toastmasters transformed his ability to lead and communicate

• Why he believes ADHD can be a secret advantage when managed with discipline

This episode is a living history lesson and a blueprint for turning trauma into triumph. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or lifelong learner, John’s story will move and motivate you.

Born in 1940in Nazi-occupied Holland, John A. Brink survived war, hunger, and hardship before immigrating to Canada in 1965 with just $25.47. He founded Brink Forest Products in 1975, now North America’s leading value-added wood manufacturer. At 84, he leads the Brink Group of Companies and hosts ON THE BRINK, a top 1% global podcast. A fierce advocate for ADHD awareness, John is also a philanthropist, pledging $1M to the College of New Caledonia. His achievements earned him the Order of B.C., an Honorary Doctorate, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

Youcan find John Brink here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnabrinkceo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnABrink

Website: www.johnabrink.com

Also don't miss:

John’s 5th book “Billion Dollar Communication Skills” is coming out on July 31st.

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