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Category: Inspirational Speakers

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Jessica Watson’s Epic Solo Sail Immortalised in Feature Film, ‘True Spirit’

Jessica Watson in True Spirit

“I’m just an ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible.” – Jessica Watson

In 2009, 16-year-old Jessica Watson set sail with dreams of becoming the youngest person to ever sail solo around the world, non-stop and unassisted. The 42,000km voyage would take her across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, at the mercy of mother nature as she battled cyclonic winds and surging seas, facing monster waves up to 70 feet high. Jessica’s epic journey has now been immortalised in the inspirational feature film, ‘True Spirit’, just released on Netflix.

There were many that wrote Jessica Watson off as far too young, her goal far too dangerous, her unsettling confidence far too naive. Debate that only intensified after her 34-foot yacht collided with a 62,000-tonne cargo ship on a practice run. But the incident only fuelled Jessica’s fire, and on 18 October 2009 she set sail aboard Ella’s Pink Lady, on a marathon adventure that would put her determination and unshakeable spirit to the ultimate test.

13 years on, and Jessica’s legendary story has finally been captured on the big screen. Written and directed by Australian Sarah Spillane, ‘True Spirit’ chronicles Jessica’s onboard journey to conquer the ‘Everest of Sailing’, from her battle with sleep deprivation and heart-wrenching isolation to terrifying knockdowns that capsized her boat in raging storms – including one that left her upside down, 15-foot underwater.

While millions of people around the world followed Jessica’s journey in real-time thanks to her raw live video blogs, this full-length film starring Teagan Croft, Anna Paquin, Josh Lawson and Cliff Curtis is a beautiful and uplifting portrayal of Jessica’s adventure. It’s an inspiring testament to the power of the human spirit, as well as the courage, tenacity and resilience that enabled this relatable Aussie teen to survive 210 days at sea.

Two months after her successful journey, Jessica released her memoir. Based on her immaculately kept onboard journals, the book provides a riveting inside account of her extraordinary voyage, providing a framework for the film adaptation now bearing its name.

Jessica’s incredible achievement earned her Young Australian of the Year honours, and she was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to sailing and being a role model for the youth of Australia.

‘True Spirit’ is a real journey of self-discovery, and a reminder that sometimes, in order to find out who you are and what you are capable of, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. As Jessica says, “You don’t have to be anyone special to achieve something big. You just have to want to do it.” Believe in your dreams, back yourself and hang on tight!

Oh – and if you haven’t seen the actual footage of Jessica’s triumphant homecoming, do yourself a favour and take a look. If watching Ella’s Pink Lady sweep through Sydney Heads, Jessica at the helm, her parents standing proudly on the dock, with 80,000 people cheering her home, doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, well… nothing will!

As one of our most popular motivational speakers, Jessica Watson shares her captivating story with infectious enthusiasm, uplifting hearts and inspiring people to believe in the impossible. She encourages audiences to challenge their expectations of themselves, helping them believe they are capable of achieving extraordinary feats, and sharing the tools that enable them to take on their wildest dreams. If you’d like to talk to us about engaging Jessica for your next event, get in touch with us for a chat!

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Body-Image Campaigner Taryn Brumfitt Named 2023 Australian of the Year

2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt

“What if, instead of spending precious time and energy at war with their bodies, our young people were free to become the leaders, big thinkers and game changers the world needs more of right now?” – Taryn Brumfitt

Taryn Brumfitt is on a global crusade to end body dissatisfaction and shift the way people think about themselves and their bodies. And you can bet she’ll use her new platform as 2023 Australian of the Year to do it.

When Taryn posted reverse ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of herself on social media in 2013 highlighting the toxicity behind aggressive health culture, it just about broke the internet. Flooded with thousands of messages of support, that one viral post ignited an international body image movement that has since inspired millions of people to change the way they look at their bodies.

Taryn’s 2016 social-change documentary ‘Embrace’, which focuses on body positivity and acceptance, is streamed on Netflix and has been shown in more than 190 countries worldwide. Her latest documentary, Embrace Kids, was released last September and spreads a similar message, this time aiming to help children appreciate and understand what their bodies can do.

With four best-selling books under her belt and coverage in the likes of the L.A Times, Washington Post, Good Morning America, The Project, Australian Story and The Today Show, it’s estimated that Taryn’s body positivity messages have reached more than 200 million people globally. And as an internationally-renowned motivational speaker, her messages continue to inspire audiences on the ground too.

Accepting her accolade from the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, at the National Arboretum Canberra on Wednesday night, Taryn spoke about her belief that body-shaming is a universal problem, with people “bullied and shamed into thinking their bodies are the problem.”

In her speech, Taryn reflected that “We weren’t born into the world hating our bodies, this is something the world has taught us… There is so much despair in this nation for children and adults when it comes to what we think and how we feel about our bodies.”

With 70% of Australian school children considering body image to be their number one concern, Taryn believes we are now facing a paediatric health emergency.

“Little Aussies describe their bodies as strong and energetic and powerful, and they have genuine love for all the things their bodies can do. This gives me hope that we can get in early and block the shame and despair.”

There’s no doubt that Taryn’s new status will provide a prominent global platform from which to deliver her message about learning to move, nourish, respect and enjoy our bodies. And that’s the message at the heart of everything she does, because – as she says – “you can’t look after something you don’t love.”

Congratulations Taryn, you’re a true inspiration and a deserving recipient of Australian of the Year honours!

If you’d like to engage 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt to share her inspiring journey with your team, get in touch with us for a chat. We also have a number of other worthy Australian of the Year winners we can introduce you to, including Dylan Alcott, Rosie Batty, Dr. Craig Challen and Dr. Richard Harris – all wonderful speakers with incredible stories of their own to tell.

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16 days of Activism, 365 Days of Action

White Ribbon Day

For more than 30 years, the Global 16 Days Campaign has been used worldwide to call for the elimination of gender-based violence. Kicking off on November 25 every year (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and running until December 10 (Human Rights Day), the campaign is supported by White Ribbon to help eliminate violence against women in Australia.

On Friday November 18, thousands of workplaces around Australia will join White Ribbon Day’s national call to action in support of the Global Campaign, doing their part to help eliminate men’s violence against women.

Violence and abuse against women, including physical, sexual, emotional, cultural and financial abuse, covers a wide range of controlling and intimidating behaviours. It’s an issue not unique to any single Australian workplace – but by providing safe environments for women, driving social change and helping to eliminate violence at work, workplaces are a key part of the solution. 

White Ribbon Day is your opportunity to be part of a critical global social movement. Together, Australians can turn 16 days of activism into 365 days of action, helping eliminate men’s violence against women – workplace by workplace.

How can you help?

The White Ribbon website provides a number of impactful ways your workplace can get involved, from booking a panel discussion run by White Ribbon educators to organising a White Ribbon Day event. You can also download their Workplace Toolkit for event ideas, social tiles, templates and other resources.

But the greatest way you can help is by igniting a conversation about the issue to help raise awareness of gender-based violence. And one of the best ways to do that is by listening to and learning from those with lived experience of family domestic violence – the victims and the survivors.

We have a number of exceptional motivational speakers ready to share their profoundly personal stories with your team, whose intimate knowledge of the topic will help drive genuine understanding and change in your workplace.

ROSIE BATTY AO
When her 11-year-old son Luke tragically lost his life at the hands of his father, Rosie Batty became a tireless and inspirational crusader against domestic violence. Turning her personal tragedy into a fight to help others, Rosie established The Luke Batty Foundation and launched the Never Alone Campaign, asking all Australians to stand with her and beside all victims of family violence. Rosie’s courageous campaigning earned her the title of Australian of the Year, as well as the Pride of Australia National Courage medal and Order of Australia honours. Her relentless dedication has also seen her inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and named by Fortune Magazine as one of the world’s top 50 greatest leaders.

KRISTY MCKELLAR OAM
For over two decades, Kristy has worked with various corporate organisations to help embed family violence policies and practical measures. She has also been instrumental to the Royal Commission into family violence, and provides clarity on the impacts of family violence and systemic inadequacies to Victorian Government councils and taskforces. In recognition of her efforts, Kristy has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and is also a proud recipient of an Order of Australia Medal. A courageous survivor, Kristy has empowered many women to speak out, contributing to significant national reform in the process.

Rosie Batty AO and Kristy McKellar OAM are exceptional motivational speakers, with inspiring personal stories guaranteed to ignite important conversations – and help you tackle the issue of violence against women head on. If you’d like us to introduce you, simply get in touch with us for a chat.

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Rosie Batty to Host One Plus One Interview Series on ABC TV

Rosie Batty to host ABC TV series

Rosie Batty is the epitome of the ‘accidental leader’. When her 11-year-old son Luke tragically lost his life at the hands of his father, Rosie became a tireless and inspirational crusader against domestic violence, turning her personal tragedy into a fight to help others. Now, Rosie will host a special eight-part series of One Plus One on ABC TV, speaking with other accidental leaders who have unexpectedly forged new paths inspiring others.

Rosie’s story is well known, with her courageous campaigning against domestic violence earning her the title of Australian of the Year, as well as the Pride of Australia National Courage medal and Order of Australia honours. Her relentless dedication has also seen her inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and named by Fortune Magazine as one of the world’s top 50 greatest leaders.

Rosie’s journey from abuse victim to high-profile leader, along with her empathetic and engaging speaking style, makes her a captivating motivational speaker. It also makes her the perfect person to host the upcoming series of the popular ABC NEWS interview program.

“With the death of my son Luke I never set out to be so widely known in Australia and I realised that my story has been an inspiration for others,” says Rosie. “Mine is just one story and there are so many other inspiring and courageous people who never sought the limelight or to have a public profile. I wanted to hear more about their stories and what impact it’s had on their lives – the good and the bad.”

Rosie will interview accidental leaders from a variety of fields in the forthcoming series of One Plus One, including self-deprecating comedian Hannah Gadsby, Dr. Richard Harris, known for his heroic involvement in the Thai Cave rescue, writer and artist Amani Haydar, cook and food writer Stephanie Alexander, performer and domestic violence campaigner Russell Vickery, gun control advocate Walter Mikac, plus more.

Annie White, Editor of ABC NEWS channel Programs, says of their new host, “We are very honoured to have Rosie join the One Plus One family – she has all the skills of a great interviewer, with empathy and curiosity in spades. Her conversations with others who found themselves in unexpected leadership roles bring new insight and understanding.”

We look forward to tuning in to ABC on Thursday February 24 to watch Rosie’s TV hosting debut, and learning more about the fascinating accidental leaders who have risen to prominence in the most surprising of ways.

If you’d like to engage Rosie Batty to share her inspirational journey to accidental leadership with your team, get in touch with us for a chat. We also have many more trailblazing women we can introduce you to, all with incredible stories to tell – perfect for your International Women’s Day 2022 event if you’re yet to secure a speaker!

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Sophie Delezio – An Inspiration Beyond Measure

“We are put on this planet to live, create as much happiness, joy, love and positivity as possible and to make the world a better place for the next generation”. These are the spoken words of one of Australia’s most inspirational humans – Sophie Delezio.  

Sophie’s start to life was unimaginable. At the age of 2, Sophie was involved in a horrific car accident, leaving 85% of her body covered in burns, and both legs below the knee along with one hand amputated. Three years later, Sophie was involved in another car accident, leaving her with multiple fractures and a brain injury, which resulted in 2 months of hospitalisation. Heart-breaking and overwhelming, Sophie’s journey has been one of hardship and fight.

Many years, several surgeries and therapy later, Sophie is now a confident, ambitious young woman ready to take on the world.  Sophie has never let the accidents define who she is, and her positive energy has driven her to get on with her life – from sky diving to studying in London and finding love, this courageous young woman has a truly inspirational story to tell.

Sophie’s story of courage and determination is one to raise your spirits.  Living her best life, Sophie will inspire many audiences, and that feeling of ‘you’ve got this’ will linger in conversations long after Sophie finishes speaking.

View Sophie on Anh’s Brush with Fame:

To book Sophie for your next conference or event, call us on 1300 661 904 or send us an email with your details. You can find out more about Keynote and our team of inspirational and motivational speakers here.

 

 

 

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How to Wake up on the Right Side of the Bed: by Amanda Gore

Living with uncertainty and constant change, when everything we felt comfortable with is seemingly taken away, waking up full of enthusiasm and energy every day can be a challenge!

Inspiring others as a leader, encouraging colleagues or performing at your best at work and home seems impossible if you are struggling to get out of your PJs!

But there is a simple strategy that can lift your energy and performance, boost your joy and improve your ability to connect with others.

The one thing which you have total control – every minute of every day  – is – wait for it – your thinking! 

No one else plants thoughts in your head! You are the one who thinks your thoughts; you decide what thoughts you let in.

You are the one who tells yourself the stories that rule your life. You are not your story, but your stories rule your life.

The secret to waking up on the right side of bed each day is to observe what you are telling yourself. 95-99% of the time we are literally unconscious of the thoughts we have. Which means our lives are being created and ruled by those unconscious thoughts.

If you wake up and the first thing you think is negative – it can rule your whole day! It can set your mind on a path to unconsciously choosing to focus on what is going wrong or challenging or difficult. If you wake up grateful, and consciously choose to find things for which to be grateful, your whole day will be different.

My mentor Dr David Martin, talks about people tuning into the radio station – the frequency – of the person they want to be and the life they want to create. And he has a great question that helps you consciously create the life you want.

It is the secret to a joyful, productive, purpose driven, meaningful and fulfilling life that leaves a valuable legacy.

His question, that I am using now as my ‘true north question’ – part of the compass I now use to navigate my life – is: “Am I being the person I want to be in this moment?’

This sounds like a simple and easy thing to do! And it is. Making the decision to be the person I want to be was easy.

That one question, the true north compass question, can instantly change everything. Literally.

But first, I had to look at what sort of person did I want to be! And to actually acknowledge what sort of person I was showing up as under challenging circumstances.

Working out the person I wanted to be took some deep diving and work. It was kind, grateful, loving and honouring myself and others.

Actually reflecting on my behaviour, what story is driving it and showing up as the person I said wanted to be is a tad more challenging at times!

I have learned many valuable lessons in this process but two stand out. And this question and strategy has since helped many people navigate their way through difficult times.

I learned that I wanted to be a person who was kind, grateful, and loving, who honoured myself as well as the other person or people involved.

Working this out was not too challenging. Working out how to honour myself and others was more so. In this process, I (and others I have shared this with) have had to learn about boundaries; about what really matters to me (not what’s the matter with me!); and about what sort of life I wanted to create, direct and produce.

I had to learn the clues my body gave me to remind me to check what story I was telling myself – and ask myself ‘is it true for this moment’ or is it an unconscious reflex. For example, whenever I felt anxious, uncomfortable, fearful, confused, or disturbed in any way, I realised I was telling myself some version of the old stories of I was worthless or not good enough; that someone would find out I was not worth loving; that I would be voted off the island because I didn’t fit in or belong; or that I was unsafe in some way.

I am a work in progress but once I recognised the ‘feeling clues’, I had a strategy to work with. I noticed the feeling ….I checked in with myself and identified which one of those stories I was telling myself and then asked myself – was it my grown up self or my (roughly) two year old self telling the story! Inevitably, it was the two year old!

So I consciously choose now to ask myself the True North question in those moments. And I consciously choose to show up as the person I decided I want to be in that moment. The grown up that is as kind, loving, grateful, wise, honouring and as fearless as possible.

Generally speaking, I (and most of us) don’t want to be anxious, fearful, timid, angry, defensive, a bully or anything other than content or joyful.

My path to creating the life I want, the mood I want, the day I want, the results I want is to choose to be kind, loving, grateful and honouring myself and others.

If you recall the best boss you have ever had, it will not be someone who was brilliant at giving you awesome, high KPIs! It will be the person you felt cared about you and your growth. They were kind and caring (read loving!). Which didn’t mean they were a pushover or wimpy! It means that at times, kindness was shown by pushing or challenging you because they believed in you. And giving you the support you needed to shine.

Business today is – even more now than it has been – fueled by how people feel around you (in person or virtually) – which is determined by how you feel about yourself. We are not in the business of B2B – we are in the business of H2H – human to human; heart to heart.

That’s why your best boss always has been and always will be the person you felt good around. It’s what makes great sales people, leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, teams – any business category –  great.

It’s that capacity to feel good about yourself so others can feel good around you.

You feel good about yourself when you show up consistently as ’the person you want to be’.

That’s why using the True North question – ‘am I being the person I want to be in this moment’ – is such a critical life and performance enhancer in these times of change, uncertainty and disruption. It puts you back in control of your stories – which in turn determines your feelings, behaviour, attitudes, and impact.

It makes you the conscious creator, producer and director of your life, performance, impact and legacy.

And that can all be summed up with a fun formula!

WAKE UP

GROW UP

SHOW UP

MESS UP

PICK UP

SHOW UP

REPEAT WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS

Amanda Gore is one of our most loved Inspirational and Motivational speakers,  her energy is uplifting and she is wonderful addition to any conference or staff event.