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Sometimes It’s Not the Message, it’s the Messenger!

“If you don’t believe the messenger, you won’t believe the message.” – James M. Kouzes


Ever give your partner some great advice that they airily dismiss… only to watch them take onboard that same advice when someone else gives it to them? I hear you laughing, we’ve all been there!  

When someone has a place in your life, whether that be partner, boss or friend, sometimes it’s hard to accept their views when you know it’s not in their wheelhouse. It’s the law of familiarity. Like an actor that’s been typecast, they’ve been defined by their audience, and it’s a tough mould to break.  

The upshot? Sometimes, it’s not the message, it’s the messenger. If you want someone to simply share information with your team, then keep the job in-house. But if you want someone to inspire change, transform behaviours or motivate people to act, you need the right messenger – and a professional motivational speaker, with specialised expertise and a powerful presence, is the external voice you want. 

The best motivational speakers have more than just a knack for public speaking. They’re incredibly skilled at capturing attention and commanding respect, finding masterful ways to tackle tough topics and captivate an audience. They bring new perspectives and fresh ideas. With expert knowledge and experience, along with sharply-honed presentation skills, they ignite passion and – most importantly – inspire action. Their impact is enormous. 

Social commentator and Co-Founder of The Behaviour Report, Dan Gregory, believes, “People don’t hear what you say, they hear who you are. Context matters as much as content, if not more, so this needs to be factored into how a message might be interpreted.” 

So if you’re looking to level up a specialised area of your business, and your messengers are struggling to get your message across, bring in an external expert to lead the charge. Australia is blessed with some of the best motivational speakers in the world – incredible thinkers skilled at changing minds and influencing specific behaviours. For example: 

** Want to inspire your team to sell better? Get Chris Helder
** Want to overhaul your workplace culture? Get Elizabeth Broderick
** Want to show your leaders how to magnify their influence? Get Dan Gregory
** Want to elevate your team’s performance? Get Stephanie Bown
** Want to turn your customers into your biggest fans? Get Amanda Stevens
** Want to master the art of communication? Get Anthony Laye
** Want to tune your team into a high-performance mindset? Get Emma Murray

With so many incredible motivational speakers to choose from, we understand finding the right one for your job can be a daunting prospect. Which is why we’re always happy to put together a bespoke list of speaker options to suit your specific business needs. Just get in touch with us for a chat to get the ball rolling! 

Meet Australia’s Top 10 Motivational Speakers

motivational speakers

In a world thirsty for inspiration, Australia delivers in spades. As a growing country, we outshine many of the bigger nations when it comes to technology and innovation, the economy, leadership, education and sporting excellence. So it comes as no surprise we’re also home to world-class Motivational Speakers hailing from a variety of fields and industries – trailblazers who are out there on the global stage inspiring the next generation of great leaders and thinkers.

Whether you’re looking for a multi-award winning creative genius to inspire new thinking, a true survivor to reframe your definition of resilience or a global sporting hero to inject some team spirit, our Australian Motivational Speakers are a cut above. Passionate, dynamic and thought-provoking, these 10 master storytellers will create an impression that lasts well beyond the final curtain call. Let us introduce you…

Australia’s Top 10 Motivational Speakers

1. Todd Sampson

motivational speakers

Renowned creative genius, Todd Sampson, is a familiar face to viewers of ABC’s popular TV series ‘The Gruen Transfer’. Having helmed some of the most successful creative agencies in the world, he dissects the global advertising industry’s hits and misses with cunning astuteness and humour. Todd is also a gutsy adventurer, award-winning documentary-maker and television presenter, with international credits including the Discovery Channel’s Documentary of the Year ‘Redesign my Brain’, ‘Body Hack’ which has been nominated for Best Factual Series and Most Outstanding Documentary of the Year and ‘Life on the Line’. Read more about Todd here.

2. Sam Bloom

sam bloom

Sam Bloom’s life changed forever after a tragic accident in Thailand resulted in life-threatening injuries, including a shattered spine. Despite a devastating diagnosis, Sam’s recovery took a positive turn when her family adopted an injured magpie. Affectionately named Penguin by her sons, the bird inspired Sam to reconnect with her love of sport, setting her on a journey that would lead her to become three-time World Para Surfing champion and Surfing Australia Female Para Surfer of the Year. Her husband, photographer Cameron Bloom, captured the heartwarming bond between Sam and Penguin – photos that inspired a best-selling book and Box-Office hit film, ‘Penguin Bloom’, starring Naomi Watts. Read more about Sam here. 

3. Dylan Alcott OAM

In 2021, Dylan Alcott became the first male in history, of any ability, to claim the highly coveted tennis Golden Slam – a win at Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, Australian Open and Olympic gold in a single year. And when he retired after the 2022 Australian Open, he did so with 15 grand slam singles titles, eight grand slam doubles titles, four Paralympic gold medals and two silver medals to his credit. But it’s his off-court efforts to transform society’s perception of individuals with disabilities that really sets this Aussie legend apart, earning him numerous accolades including the 2022 Australian of the Year award. Read more about Dylan here.

4. Turia Pitt

turia pitt

In 2011, model and fitness fanatic Turia Pitt embarked on a 100km ultra-marathon in the Kimberley region, unaware of the grassfire that would change the course of her life. Sustaining horrific burns to over 65% of her body, Turia spent two months in a coma, given little chance of survival. After undergoing more than 200 surgeries, losing seven fingers and enduring a gruelling rehabilitation regimen, Turia’s incredible fortitude has seen her complete an Ironman triathlon and 20km swim race, cycle from Sydney to Uluru and trek the Great Wall of China. She has also raised over $200,000 for Interplast, a charitable organisation providing reconstructive surgery to people in developing countries. Read more about Turia here.

5. Dr Richard Harris OAM and Dr Craig Challen OAM

motivational speakers

When 12 boys from a Thai soccer team became trapped in a flooded cave in 2018, Dr. Craig Challen and Dr. Richard Harris, two of Australia’s leading underwater cave divers, were asked to join the international rescue mission to save them. They worked 16 hour days to help the boys to safety in a story that gripped the world, and has since been immortalised in the Hollywood movie ‘Thirteen Lives’). Craig and Richard were awarded a Star of Courage as well as the Order of Australia for service to the international community for their selfless bravery during the successful rescue, and were also named as the first dual Australians of the Year for their heroic efforts. Read more about Richard and Craig.

6. Nedd Brockman

nedd brockman

Nedd Brockman turned a personal goal into a social sensation by running 4,000km from Perth to Bondi, setting a record as the fastest Australian and the second fastest in the world over the distance. Completing the journey in just over 46 days, he averaged an impressive 80km each day, documenting his adventure on Instagram along the way. Nedd captured the hearts of the nation, receiving support from a diverse crowd including truckies and farmers, roadside workers and kids from all walks of life. Messages of support from the Prime Minister, celebrities like Jimmy Barnes and Ash Barty, and even Hollywood actor Lily James helped Nedd raise a staggering $2.5 million for the homeless charity Mobilise. Read more about Nedd here. 

7. Dr. Jessica Gallagher

motivational speakers

Dr. Jessica Gallagher holds the distinction of being the first Australian athlete, Olympic or Paralympic, to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, representing Australia in Alpine Skiing, athletics and cycling. As a sight-impaired, high-performance athlete competing in a perilous, high-speed environment, Jess imparts practical techniques for shaping risk appetite and translating fear into an indispensable aspect of mindset, ability and performance. Read more about Jessica here.

8. Anthony Laye

anthony laye

From incredible mind-reading tricks to moments of sheer laughter and amazement, Anthony Laye is the master at building the ultimate team-building experience. As a celebrity mentalist and regular on TV, he takes audiences on an interactive journey that will leave them spellbound with wonder and magic, questioning “how on earth did he do that?” Anthony’s dynamic and engaging approach not only entertains, but also teaches powerful business communication and influence tools to help audience members grow as leaders, influencers and communicators. Read more about Anthony here

9. Dr. Louise Mahler

louise maher

Dr. Louise Mahler, a renowned authority on face-to-face engagement, combines her extensive experience on the European opera stage with an award-winning phD in Business, to equip individuals with the ability to ‘be heard’ in hostile environments. Using her expertise as a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Louise coaches audiences on the crucial mind-body-voice connection that she terms ‘Vocal Intelligence’, an exceptional and transformative motivational speaker experience. Read more about Louise here.

10. Kurt Fearnley AO

motivational speakers

Despite being born without the lower part of his spinal cord, Kurt Fearnley’s determination to live his life to the fullest has never wavered. He chased his dream of travelling and playing professional sport, becoming a world-class athlete, earning the nickname ‘Marathon Man’ for his wheelchair sporting achievements. With 5 World Championship titles and 4 Paralympic medals, including 2 golds, Kurt’s athletic feats are legendary. However, it’s his unwavering dedication to helping those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds that sets him apart, and has earned him honours including Australian of the Year and Officer of the Order of Australia. Read more about Kurt here.


With so much world-class talent on offer, our task of selecting the 10 best Australian Motivational Speakers was a difficult one! If you have a brief for us we’d be happy to provide you with a curated list of speakers specific to your needs… just get in touch with us for a chat to get the ball rolling!

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!

4 Antidotes to New Year Burnout

4 antidotes to new year burnout

“If you feel ‘burnout’ setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.” – Dalai Lama


If you haven’t bounced into 2023 feeling refreshed, energised and ready to tackle the new year, you’re not alone. We may only be a month in, but for many that optimistic new year glow has been buffeted by a perfect storm of intensifying forces – from pandemic anxiety, new ways of working and getting the kids back to school to staff shortages and rising interest rates. It’s tough to feel amped up when there’s so much going down. But there are ways you can nip burnout in the bud, and reduce the risk of a chronic problem setting in.

Stress is a normal human response – a normal part of life that, in small amounts, can even be good for you. But when your ability to cope becomes compromised, and the stress continues to mount, you enter burnout territory. Defined as complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, and now officially classified as a mental illness, burnout doesn’t just spring up overnight – it simmers away in the background, building up over time.

Headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, a sense of disconnect, irritability, panic attacks, absenteeism from work, an ongoing feeling of dread, decreased productivity, an inability to find enjoyment in things… they’re all warning signs you’re on the road to burnout.

And while there’s no magic pill, there are four scientifically proven ways you can keep physically and mentally healthy to significantly reduce the risk of burnout taking hold.

1. Set some boundaries… and stick to them!

Boundaries are the ultimate form of self-care. They define what’s acceptable to you, what you’ll compromise on, what you’ll tolerate, what you’ll say no to. The problem is, unless you enforce them, they’re no good to you at all.

High-performance specialist and award-winning author Stephanie Bown believes the way to avoid burnout “is by having boundaries around how and where we choose to spend our time, so that we replenish our energy and enable ourselves to focus when we need to, with our families, in our workplaces, with our friends.”

Elite performance coach Mark Bunn agrees, saying “Life these days is full of requests for our time, energy & expertise. As we like to be needed and feel that we are ‘giving’ to others, we can quickly find ourselves using up all our time…and thus having none left for ourselves.”

Constantly trying to appease our deeply entrenched people-pleaser streak, whether to stay in favour or avoid conflict, is a recipe for turmoil. Because not respecting your boundaries may make you agreeable, but it won’t make you happy. As Author Brianna Wiest said, “Each time you break your boundaries in order to ensure someone else likes you, you end up liking yourself that much less.”

If you’re not sure what your boundaries are, use your body as a guide. Increased heart rate, a tight gut, sweating, that nervous feeling – if something feels unsafe or uncomfortable, that’s a good clue you’ve hit a boundary. They’re there to protect you – if you constantly stretch them in an eternal search for popularity, they’ll break. And so will you!

2. Incorporate self-care into your day

Life gets busy. Things happen. We get it. There’s a grace period for putting yourself on the back burner, but leave yourself there too long and voila… welcome to burnout. Just like on an airplane, you need to fit your own oxygen mask first if you’re going to be any good to anyone else.

“Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s self-preservation,” says accredited mindfulness and meditation coach, and one of Australia’s leading authorities on mental wellbeing, Chelsea Pottenger.

Chelsea recommends incorporating self-care rituals into your day, believing that even little actions can have a positive impact on your wellbeing. To figure out which rituals work best for you, Chelsea suggests writing down as many things you can think of that bring you joy. This can be anything from the smell of vanilla, back rubs and the colour blue, to summertime, going to the beach etc. Then brainstorm ways you can incorporate these into your day, such as filling your space with the colours and smells you enjoy. Morning rituals like 2-5 minutes of meditation, exercise and making a gratitude list also work wonders to set you in the right frame of mind for the day ahead.

Mark Bunn is a big believer that “Your greatest wealth is your health”, and also recommends devoting some time every day to looking after your personal health and performance. He suggests eating ‘light at night’, getting peak performance sleep (before 10.30pm) at least 3-4 nights a week, staying optimally hydrated and starting each day with some physical activity.

Clinical psychologist, personal trainer and nutrition coach Leanne Hall is another advocate for “doing one thing for yourself each day. It may be a pedicure, bubble bath at the end of the day, movie with a friend, or even an early night!” She believes that “Once you are able to listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs, and THAT is what self-nurturance is all about!”

3. Do what makes you happy

You’ve heard the saying “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, Mark Bunn goes a step further, suggesting that to stay happy and avoid burnout, you need to combine ‘doing what you love most’ with ‘what you naturally do best’ (i.e. your natural talents). He uses the example of Richard Branson, who is dyslexic and rarely even touches a computer… let alone sends emails. Yet he’s still built a worldwide empire by focusing on his unique talents as an innovative, big-picture thinker and a brilliant self-promoter. Why focus on improving your weaknesses when your strengths come more naturally – and more enjoyably?

Doing what you love doesn’t just apply to the workplace either. If you’re struggling to hit your fitness goals, for example, Leanne Hall says it’s because you haven’t yet found an exercise regime that you enjoy. She says “so many people waste money on gym memberships. Why? Because they like the ‘idea’ of going to the gym, but they really don’t ‘enjoy’ going. For many of these people, joining a team sport or an outdoor bootcamp with friends is a much more enjoyable form of exercise which they can sustain.”

If you find it enjoyable, it’ll make you happy. Simple as that.

4. Let nature take its course

The Japanese-inspired practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) was originally invented to combat corporate burnout by helping people disconnect and reap the therapeutic benefits of nature. With devotees including the likes of Justin Bieber, Gwyneth Paltrow and Dame Judy Dench, it’s fast becoming a global wellness phenomenon. ‘Forest schools’, where learning takes place in natural outdoor settings, are popping up all over Europe and the U.S.

The restorative power of nature is real.

A recent McKinsey study showed that “time spent in nature has a positive effect on attention span and well-being”, noting that “When in nature our brain emits alpha waves that help calm the stress response and reduce anxiety levels, allowing the brain to enter a more relaxed, clear, and creative state.” You’ll find plenty of similar studies to back it up.

An expert on the healing properties of nature, Mark Bunn is a big proponent of ‘green exercise’, or training in a natural environment. He recommends “getting fresh air, natural light exposure or sunlight and maybe even doing it ‘earthed’ (barefoot) if it’s safe to do so.” He also believes there’s huge benefit in “having your lunch in a park, doing your stretches while touching a tree, taking your shoes and socks off and walking on the wet sand if you’re near a beach or a natural body of water”.

The idea is a simple one – take it outside if you can!

So, is there an antidote for burnout? There’s no quick fix, but if you feel it coming your way, what you can do is press pause, take a deep breath, and hit the reset button. Set some boundaries, go play in the garden, find what it is you love to do, incorporate self-care into your day and take some time out just for you. As novelist Anne Lamot said “Almost everything will work again if we unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”  


Our wonderful team of leading mental health and performance experts include Stephanie Bown, Mark Bunn, Chelsea Pottenger, Leanne Hall, Dr Michael Nagel, Emma Murray and Jackie Furey. All are dynamic and inspiring speakers who can provide your team with life-changing practical tools to help them become more energised and resilient, better at managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. If you’d like us to introduce you, simply get in touch with us for a chat.

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.

7 Trending Keynote Speaking Topics for 2023

7 trending speaking topics for 2023

While getting the right Motivational Speaker is absolutely crucial to the success of any event, nailing the speaking topic is equally as important. No point getting a gold-medallist in front of your crowd if you’re looking for complex, business-critical insight along with your dose of inspiration. But with so many emerging issues and trends in the wake of the pandemic, how do you settle on a topic that’s relevant, exciting, thought-provoking and appealing to your specific audience – and then find the perfect speaker to match? That’s where we come in.

At Keynote, we’re outrageously passionate about what we do, and with decades of industry experience behind us, we know what works. Here is our official round-up of the 7 hottest topics for 2023, and the motivational speakers guaranteed to bring them to life…

1. Future of Work 

With specialised insight into current and emerging trends influencing the workplace, these expert speakers help prepare audiences for what’s to come. From leadership and business models to culture and innovation, these speakers provide unique insight and inspiration to help businesses adapt and flourish in the dynamic landscape ahead.

2. STEM 

These science and technology trailblazers are world-renowned experts in their own right, having made significant contributions in the fields of STEM. They’re also passionate about building the next generation of critical thinkers, innovators and leaders, inspiring young women to take on some of the fastest-growing industries of the future.

Kate Raynes-GoldieRae JohnstonDr. Catherine Ball
Lisy KaneDr. Catriona Wallace

3. Mindfulness and Wellbeing 

With the full effects of pandemic lockdowns and remote work mandates still being evaluated, mindfulness and wellbeing has become one of the top priorities for businesses around the world. These leading industry experts provide audiences with life-changing practical tools to help them become more energised, resilient and productive, better at managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Jackie FureyChelsea Pottenger Mark Bunn
Dr. Michael NagelLeanne Hall Stephanie Bown

4. The Circular Economy  

A thriving circular economy, where resources are circulated, waste is eliminated and nature is regenerated, is great for business, people and the environment. It’s the responsibility of every business to tackle global challenges like climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity loss, pollution and waste to help make it happen – and these inspiring speakers will show you how.

Melissa NeighbourDr Anika MolesworthCraig Reucassel 
Kim McKay AOCatherine Hutchins
and Aniyo Rahebi  

5. Performance Intelligence 

Do you know how your physical, psychological and emotional states impact your performance, and the performance of those around you? Performance Intelligence is a skill that can be developed with the right training and the right mindset. These industry experts will teach your audience valuable lessons on maximising human performance, applicable to both their personal and professional lives.

Gilbert EnokaDan Gregory  Andrew May
Michael Licenblat Alisa CamplinTodd Sampson

6. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion 

Having a diverse set of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent, creating a strong work culture and fostering innovation, and can be a serious competitive advantage. These incredible speakers will show you why embracing diversity, equality and inclusion isn’t simply the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.

Baratunde ThurstonChelsea RoffeyTasneem Chopra 
Antoinette BraybrookAnyier YuolElizabeth Broderick AO

7. Metaverse 

The Metaverse, a digital platform built on virtual and augmented reality, isn’t just for gamers. A future where experiences are available in virtual worlds accessible via smartphones and virtual reality headsets, isn’t far away. From virtual storefronts to virtual events, virtual training and digital sales, the Metaverse could be a huge opportunity for businesses willing to adapt – and these industry leaders can show you how your business can benefit.

Chris RiddellDee MadiganMichael McQueen
Future CrunchMike Walsh

We have some of the best minds in the business ready to share their incredible knowledge and unique insights to help your team navigate the road ahead in 2023. If you’d like us to curate a list of motivational speakers and relevant, thought-provoking speaker topics for your next event, simply get in touch with us for a chat – we’re here to help!

The Art of Doing Less to Achieve More

The Art of Doing Less to Achieve More - the key to productivity

“You don’t get paid for the hour, you get paid for the value you bring to the hour” – Jim Rohn

Did I RSVP? Maybe a quick cuppa first. A speedy scroll to settle in. He said what?! Ooohhhhhh Mecca’s having a sale!

If your workday is sprinkled with sneaky little time-thieving distractions, you’re not alone. Scientists and other very smart people have spent decades studying human behaviour in an attempt to unlock the secret to focus and productivity. And sure they’ve come up with thousands of great tips and hacks. But what if there was only one thing you needed to do to silence all the distractions, fears, stresses and mental blocks getting in your way – and that one thing was… nothing?

Before we explain, let’s take a little look at the issue. Do a few pleasant distractions and a slightly scatty thought train really pose such a problem?

According to Clockify research, employees experience as many as 56 disruptions per day. When you take into account that it takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus after an unrelated interruption, it turns out that the average office worker is only productive for two hours and 23 minutes each day. So out of an eight-hour workday, that’s five hours and 37 minutes of each day spent doing… well, stuff that’s not work. Sobering stats – especially if you’re the boss!

Yes, it’s a problem. Distractions and interruptions can wreak havoc on your focus and productivity.

So, what can you do about it?

A quick google will point you to a gazillion approaches, philosophies, tactics and hacks aimed at solving the productivity / focus predicament. From Maslow’s Needs theory and The Pomodoro technique to 90-minute work increments, following the 80/20 rule, silencing notifications, chunking time, batching work, using noise-cancelling headphones… you could try working your way through the endless list and see what sticks.

Or, if you don’t have a few years spare, you could try the deceptively simple solution posed by Performance Strategist, author and keynote speaker Darren Fleming. And that’s to do nothing.

Darren believes that the reason we’re such an unproductive bunch is because we’ve been so focused on trying to fix the distractions outside of us (emails, people, meetings, general time suckers), when we should have been focusing inside of us by fixing our thoughts and reactions to the distraction.

Rather than fighting the internal ‘energetic sensation’ we experience when we encounter a distraction, Darren argues that we need to deactivate that sensation so we’re not driven to follow it. And to deactivate the sensation, all you need to do is sit with it and just let it do its thing. That’s right – just sit with it. Feel the energetic sensation and pay attention to it. Just observe it as it moves through your body. Don’t act. Do nothing.

This goes for anything that’s holding you back. Stressed about your finances? Sit with the energy of it. Feeling like an imposter at work? Just sit with the feeling of it without making a story about it. When something pulls you away from your task, pay attention to what you’re feeling in your body that’s causing your attention to wander, but don’t act on it. Just sit with it.

Darren says that as you’re observing the sensations you’re feeling, you need to trust in the ancient Buddhist principle that nothing in the universe is permanent – everything has a beginning, middle and end. The same is true for the sensations in your body. They’ll rise and eventually fall away, allowing you to refocus on your task, having done nothing more than be 100% present in the moment. It may take 30 seconds, or it may take a few minutes, but it will happen. And by allowing yourself to see the sensations through, you can deactivate the distraction and move on without it triggering you again.

This technique, called Mindset Mastery, combines cutting-edge research and ancient teachings to remove the mental blocks that hold you back – or as Darren explains, it helps you “get out of your own way.”

Simply ‘letting things be’ is a concept wellbeing guru Deepak Chopra also embraces in his international best-selling book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.

The fourth spiritual law of success, the Law of Least Effort, is the principle of least action, of no resistance – in Vedic Science, this principle is known as economy of effort or ‘do less and accomplish more.’ It’s based on the fact that nature functions with effortless ease and without intervention – grass doesn’t try to grow, it just grows. Flowers don’t try to bloom, they just bloom. Fish don’t try to swim, they just swim. Chopra believes that we should do as nature does, and accept people, situations and events as they are in that moment – and just let them do their thing.

How to successfully do nothing

Darren believes that we’re so used to reacting to distractions that it takes a bit of skill to just observe and ride it through. In his new book, ‘Mindset Mastery: Do Less to Achieve More’ (coming February 2023), he details ‘The Six Don’t’s’ – what not to do when you feel that ‘energetic sensation’ of being pulled away from a task. Darren is happy for us reveal these ahead of his official book release, so with a slight spoiler alert, we present the secrets to successfully doing nothing…

1. Don’t label it. Avoid labelling the sensation in any way at all. When we label a sensation with terms such as frustration, love, anger, excitement or anything else, we are introducing a story. When we say, “I am nervous about presenting” we introduce a story based on a past experience that adds nothing of value to the current situation. It also brings in every other time we were nervous. None of this is helpful, and only serves to increase the noise in your head and the sensations in your body. This makes it harder to just observe.

2. Don’t own it. We own a sensation when we say things like, “This is just how I feel when I have to present.” This is playing victim to what is happening with the sensation. It de-powers you. It then draws you into the story of how this has happened in the past. When we are drawn into the past we are not observing.

3. Don’t judge it. Don’t make the sensation right or wrong. The classic example of this is, “I should be more confident when I present.” When we assume that we should feel different to the way that we do it infers that the way we feel is wrong, which is not the case.

4. Don’t fight it. When the sensation wants to come up, let it. Don’t push it down. It may not be pleasant, but it is inside you. Until you let it come up and experience it, it will remain in you.

5. Don’t justify it. When we justify our feeling of nervousness by saying, “I should be nervous – this is a big presentation!” we are once again bringing in a story. This enables the ego mind to go back to one of its many thought structures such as “life determines one’s experiences”. When we are caught in justifying, we are caught in the thoughts around it, and this does not allow us to experience the sensations.

6. Don’t explain it. It’s tempting to explain the way we feel with a story from the past. “When I last presented to the SLT they tore me to shreds and that is why I feel this way.” Explaining allows us to be the victim and not have to take responsibility for how we are today. While you may have had a less than stellar experience last time, it serves no purpose now. It might remind you to prepare more thoroughly, but you can know you need to be well prepared without having to explain away the sensations you are experiencing.

There’s no doubt that productivity research has heralded some helpful ideas for staying focused and keeping those pesky time thieves at bay. But it’s a bit like playing Whack-a-Mole… you fight the distraction down and it just keeps popping up. So maybe it’s time we learnt how to take the mole completely out of the game. Or hell, not even play the game at all! Tips and hacks are great, but as Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”


Want Darren Fleming to show your team how they can achieve more by doing less? His Mindset Mastery keynote will give your team the tools they need to eliminate distracting thoughts, be less reactive, remove stress, manage their feelings and become laser focused. Darren’s presentations are always relatable, fun and filled with practical take-aways, making him one of our most in-demand motivational speakers. If you’d like to talk to us about engaging Darren for your next event, get in touch with us now!

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.

How to Create a Thriving Culture in a Remote Workforce

It’s often said that people are the greatest asset in any business. And one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today is creating a thriving culture that attracts, engages and retains the best people. But how do you do that in our new hybrid work world, where connection and connectivity have become so inter-dependent?

Whether by choice or default, flexible work has officially shifted from a perk to an expectation. The Australian Government’s WGEA study found that 92% of employees now want flexibility in where and when they work, while the global EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey reported that 54% would consider leaving their jobs if they’re not afforded that flexibility. And whether they’ve embraced it or just relented, nine out of ten businesses are now committed to offering a combination of remote and on-site work.

Whether it’s the 60+ minutes per day we save on the work commute, the comfort of our old ugg’s or the domestic chores we can slot into our day, many have found plenty to like about remote working.

But isolation, burnout, a lack of spontaneous interaction and a feeling of disconnect are very real. We have a need for human connection like never before, and without the lunch dates and breakroom chats of the office environment, cultivating a good culture and a sense of belonging in a hybrid working environment is a huge challenge.

According to Andrew May, one of the world’s leading performance strategists, “work is no longer somewhere you go, it is something you do.” He believes that “with the massive change and disruption we’ve experienced, comes growth and opportunities to change working models, beliefs and ‘what we do around here.’”

It’s time to seize the opportunity to ‘remake’ your culture and double-down on the employee experience, putting concepts like purpose and connection at the top of the business agenda.

What’s so important about culture?

As renowned management consultant and author Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” You can have the greatest strategy in the world, but if culture isn’t a huge part of that strategy, your business is never going to succeed.  

Gold standard workplace culture provides job satisfaction, personal growth and fulfilment. It encompasses the way decisions are made, a sense of belonging and loyalty, reward and recognition, communication, staff behaviour and trust, and – when done right – gives businesses a competitive edge.

According to McKinsey research, companies with healthy cultures deliver three times greater total returns to shareholders. A good culture also helps attract and retain the best talent (companies with healthy cultures are 16 times more likely to retain their Gen Z employees) and, just as importantly, culture is the top predictor of workplace satisfaction. And happy workers are 13% more productive than unhappy ones.

So how do you go about creating a thriving culture in a remote workforce?

1. Provide purpose and clarity

A clearly articulated purpose is a powerful thing. According to Glassdoor’s Mission & Culture Survey, 79% of adults analyse a company’s purpose and mission before applying for a job, with over half of them ranking it as more important than salary when it comes to job satisfaction. Employees are also five times more likely to be excited to work for a company that spends time reflecting on the impact it makes in the world.

The message is resonating with corporates too. According to PwC research, 79% of business leaders agree that their purpose is central to success going forward.

McKinsey research found that people who find purpose at work are healthier, more resilient and more likely to stay at the company. And when that purpose is aligned with their own, they’re more engaged and loyal, reporting work and life outcomes up to five times higher than those of their peers. As Author and social commentator Dan Gregory says, “leaders must align their WHY with the WHY’s of their people”.

But there’s no point having a wonderful purpose if leaders aren’t communicating it, and aren’t clear about how their team can help them achieve it. Stephen Covey created a clever analogy in his book, The 8th Habit. Based on research conducted with over 23,000 employees, he reported that if our organisations were 11-player soccer teams, 4 players knew which goal was theirs, only 2 actually cared which goal was theirs, 2 knew what position they played and 9 were competing against their own team members rather than the opponent. Nightmare.

Clarity helps others understand what they need to do, and why they’re doing what they’re doing.

2. Lead the way

Leadership pioneer Warren G. Bennis once said, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality”. 

In our hybrid work world, it’s more important than ever for leaders to develop a common vision and goal that enables team members to work together – especially while apart – to help make that vision a reality. They create a thriving culture by providing clarity and direction and then empowering their team members to make it happen.

LinkedIn Learning’s 2021 Workplace Learning Report revealed that communication across remote teams and emotional intelligence ranked as two of the most important skills required for today’s business leaders. Skills essential for creating the right culture with a fragmented workforce and fostering an environment of self-confidence and connection.

Today’s leaders need to be able to cultivate an atmosphere where employees feel that their work matters, that their contribution is valued and that they’re an essential part of the bigger picture. They need to really engage with their team, get to know each individual and what motivates them, create capacity and help them grow and succeed. Dan Gregory relates, saying “leaders must evoke a vivid picture of who you help them to be through the process of executing your strategy.”

Mindfulness and meditation coach Chelsea Pottenger also reminds us that “organisations are built by people. People who need motivation, care and compassion, and whose wellbeing should be as much of a business outcome as profits are.” Thankfully, they’re not mutually exclusive. PWC research shows that every dollar spent on creating a mentally healthy workplace can generate $2.30 in benefits to an organisation. Not a bad return on investment!

Today’s leaders know how to create a happy, healthy culture that’s as good for its people as it is for its bottom line.

3. Make connections count

A sense of belonging, of being part of a team, is one of the biggest benefits of a thriving work culture. But with fewer opportunities for organic social interaction and informal conversation, hybrid arrangements make connecting with co-workers much more of a challenge. Which means you need to make every connection count.

Organisations that prioritise connection reap the rewards when it comes to unifying a hybrid workforce. From building in time for social chats during virtual meetings and scheduling regular check-ins with colleagues, to virtual events, real-time file collaboration (thanks Google) and tech tools like Trello, Slack and Zoom to stay on track, there are plenty of ways to keep teams connected while out of the office.

A McKinsey survey found companies that reported an increase in ‘microtransactions’ – small connections between colleagues, such as opportunities to discuss projects, share ideas, network, mentor and coach – also enjoyed higher productivity. Connection improves engagement levels, and engaged employees are 17% more productive.

To give team culture a real boost, psychologist and best-selling author Dr Amantha Imber recommends building HQCs ‘High-Quality Connections’ (HCQ). HQC’s are shorter-term virtual or face-to-face interactions in which both people feel ‘lit up’ and energised by the connection.

HCQ techniques include: finding uncommon commonalities (you love Kung-Fu movies too? Amazing!), performing a 5-minute favour and asking better questions to get a more meaningful response. Amantha says that while they are extremely powerful, “the beauty of HQC’s is that they don’t require significant time – they can be as simple as a five-minute conversation with someone.”

US management guru Marvin Bower once defined corporate culture as ‘the way we do things around here’ – and, if you’re looking for success in a hybrid work world, it’s never been more important to do it right. While remote work presents some serious challenges, it also provides an incredible opportunity for businesses to remodel their culture into one that people are excited and proud to be a part of. And that’s a recipe for success – as Simon Sinek says, “customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.”


So how do you create a thriving culture in a remote workforce? It’s a challenge being faced by businesses around the world, and we have some of the most knowledgeable minds in the game ready to share their unique insights. If you’d like us to introduce you to our experts, including Andrew May, Dan Gregory, Chelsea Pottenger, Dr Amantha Imber, Kieran Flanagan and Chris Helder, simply get in touch with us for a chat!

 

What a Year! Celebrating our Champion Athletes with Disability

IDPWD 2022

“It’s time for you to challenge your unconscious biases, leave your negative perceptions at the door and lift your expectation of what you think people with disability can do. Because it’s always more than you think.” – Dylan Alcott


With
International Day of People with Disability coming up on December 3, we’d like to take the opportunity to celebrate a truly incredible year for our champion athletes with disability.

When we say it’s been an extraordinary year in sport, we really mean it. Between Dylan Alcott, Kurt Fearnley, Jessica Gallagher, Madison de Rozario and Ellie Cole, 2022 has delivered an impressive list of accomplishments and accolades… Australian of the Year, Officer of the Order of Australia Medal, Medal of the Order of Australia, Athletics Australia Performance of the Year award, Paralympics Hall of Fame inductee, Commonwealth Games golden double in the women’s T53/54 marathon and 1500m and two women’s tandem cycling Commonwealth Games gold medals, just to name a few.

And the year’s not even over yet.

These proud Australian athletes provide inspiration and hope to the 4.4 million Australians living with disability, constantly challenging misconceptions and breaking down barriers on and off their chosen fields.

As we celebrate their achievements, we also increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability – and that’s what International Day of People with Disability is all about.

As the Marathon Man of wheelchair sports, Kurt Fearnley, so wisely observed, “Disability is a natural part of the human condition, yet all too often, people with disability aren’t disabled by their bodies, but they’re disabled by society.”

We all have a role to play in ensuring people with disability have the opportunity to reach their potential and participate fully in community life. By joining the conversation about disability, you can help these athletes challenge stereotypes and make your community and workplace more accessible, respectful and inclusive for people with disability.

Are you ready to help make a difference?

Our champion athletes, Dylan Alcott, Ellie Cole, Kurt Fearnley, Jessica Gallagher and Madison de Rozario, are all passionate and captivating speakers – and they’re ready to share their inspiring stories with your team.

Dylan Alcott: As a talented dual-athlete, Dylan is one of the world’s most celebrated sportspeople and a true Aussie legend. With 23 quad wheelchair Grand Slam titles to his name, Dylan’s accomplishments include a record-shattering 2021 in which he took home Olympic gold and became the first male ever to claim the illustrious Golden Slam. Dylan’s projects off the court, which include The Dylan Alcott Foundation, Ability Fest and Get Skilled Access are testament to his belief that being disabled is no barrier to success, nor to happiness. As a TV commentator, radio DJ and popular motivational speaker, Dylan uses his public stage to normalise and destigmatise disability – and it’s this relentless dedication to changing perceptions that earned him the 2022 Australian of the Year award, the first person with a visible disability to secure the title in the award’s 62-year history.

Jessica Gallagher: With two tandem cycling gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, sight-impaired high-performance athlete Jessica Gallagher cemented herself as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Having represented Australia in four different sporting disciplines (track and field, alpine skiing, cycling and now rowing), Jessica was the first Australian athlete – Olympic or Paralympic – to medal at both a Summer and Winter Games. Her life outside of sport is just as hectic as her training schedule, filled with commitments as a Board Director at Vision 2020 Australia and ambassador for Vision Australia and Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, as well as seeing patients in her private Osteopathic practice.

Kurt Fearnley: Kurt’s induction into the Paralympic Hall of Fame this year reinforced his place amongst the best-ever Australian athletes. Crowned as the Marathon Man of wheelchair sports, Kurt won five world championships and competed in over twenty marathons around the globe. He also medalled at four Olympic Games, taking home gold medals in 2004 and 2008 and winning the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games marathon. Kurt is an Ambassador of the Day of Difference Foundation and International Day of People with a Disability, as well as board member of Australian Volunteers International, and in 2018 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his outstanding service and achievements.

Madison de Rozario: In 2019 Madison became the first Australian in history to win the elite women’s wheelchair race at the London Marathon, and a few weeks later collected a hat-trick of gold medals at the World Para-athletics Grand Prix. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Madison won the first ever Paralympic gold medal for the Australian Athletics Team in the women’s 800m and then fought out a stunning win in the Marathon. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Madison successfully defended her golden double of the 2018 Games with wins in the 1500m and Marathon, and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia and the Athletics Australia Bruce McAvaney Award for Performance of the Year.

Ellie Cole: Ellie Cole is Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian, with 17 Paralympic medals to her credit from four Paralympic Games. In 2012, following a 6-medal haul (including 4 gold) at the London Paralympics, Ellie underwent a double shoulder reconstruction and fought hard to get back in the water. She made her return at the 2015 Swimming World Championships, winning 5 medals – 3 of which were gold. She has since represented Australia at the 2016 and 2018 Paralympics, as well as the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games. Ellie has been named Cosmopolitan Magazine’s ‘Sportswoman of the Year’, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to sport. 


With International Day of People with Disability just 6 weeks away, it’s time to lock in a motivational speaker to talk to your team. Our champion disabled athletes will challenge misconceptions and attitudes, and help make your workplace a more inclusive space for all. If you’d like us to introduce you, simply get in touch with us for a chat