Eugene O'Kelly

Eugene O’Kelly is an internationally renowned author and speaker on topics such as overcoming obstacles and living a meaningful life. His most famous work, Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life, is a compilation of essays and reflections on how facing his own mortality inspired him to embrace life, love, and joy.

Eugene O'Kelly was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and moved with his family to the United States at age 6, settling in the Boston area. He graduated from Harvard College in 1971 and earned his MBA with honors from the Harvard Business School in 1973. While obtaining his MBA, O'Kelly began a successful career in financial services. He eventually worked his way up to chairman, CEO, and director of KPMG, one of the world’s largest financial management firms. Having earned a comfortable salary, O'Kelly pursued his passion for giving back to others. He served on a number of nonprofit boards and contributed to numerous philanthropic causes. In 2005, however, his life was suddenly upended.

At the age of 53 and with no prior health problems, O'Kelly was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Armed with this knowledge and a newfound urgency, O’Kelly immediately began to consider his own mortality and to reevaluate his life. He wrote hundreds of pages of reflections, histories, and advice, which he later organized and published as Chasing Daylight. O’Kelly’s message is simple and powerful: that when faced with our own mortality, we should reevaluate our priorities, cherish the people and moments we’d normally let slip away, and “be alive to life.”

O’Kelly emphasizes the power of acceptance and of spending every moment as if it were our last. In his writing, he shares his insights on finding joy in the face of a terminal diagnosis and his journey of rediscovering himself and reconnecting with his family, engaging to the fullest with life. This book was a fresh reminder of making the most of each day and the importance of focusing on the beautiful moments in life rather than dwelling on the negative.

Throughout his battle with cancer, O’Kelly remained committed to his work with KPMG and several nonprofits. He also continued to stay active, enjoying such hobbies as running, sailing, skiing, and playing the banjo. In late 2006, O’Kelly died peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind his wife, daughter, and son.

Since his death, millions have been touched by his message, including students at the universities he spoke at before his death, reading groups across the world, entire corporate communities, and individuals. O'Kelly left an indelible imprint on those whose lives he touched, emphasizing the importance of making the most of every moment and living with intentionality and clarity.

Eugene O’Kelly’s legacy continues to spread even today. He has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and Newsweek. He is remembered for his profound words and guidance, and he will forever be a beacon of strength and hope for many.