Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert shares her remarkable story after spending 804 days as a political prisoner in Iran. She was released on 25 November 2020 after struggling for more than 2 years to negotiate her release.

She is the author of the The Uncaged Sky which is an account of her unbelievable ordeal.

An expert in Middle East history and politics, Kylie travelled to Iran to take part in an academic conference, only to face arrest at the airport on her way home to Australia. Interrogated for months by Iran’s feared Revolutionary Guards, Kylie was ultimately convicted of espionage in a shadowy trial presided over by the country’s most notorious judge, and received a ten year prison sentence.

Held for a year in solitary confinement, Kylie was pushed to her limits by extreme physical and psychological deprivation. Her only lifeline was the covert friendships she made with other inmates inside Tehran’s Evin prison, whom she communicated with through air conditioning vents and by hiding secret letters in an outdoor exercise yard. To survive, Kylie began to fight back. Multiple hunger strikes, co-ordinated protests and a daring escape attempt led to her transfer to an isolated desert prison called Qarchak to live among convicted criminals. On 25 November 2020, after more than two years of struggle, Kylie was finally released in a high-stakes three-nation prisoner-swap deal, laying bare the complex game of global politics in which she had become a valuable pawn.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert has authored several influential academic papers and has contributed expert commentary to a number of media outlets, including the ABC, the BBC, Sky News, SBS, the Age, the Australian, the Times, the Independent, Voice of America, and Iran International.

In addition, Kylie has provided advice to Australian government agencies and the Australian Defence Forces, and has lent her voice to a variety of human rights initiatives, including as a speaker to the 2021 Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy and as a board member of Hostage Aid Worldwide. Following her release from prison, Kylie has been a vocal advocate for human and women’s rights in Iran, and has campaigned in support of other victims of arbitrary detention around the world.

Incarceration in an Iranian prison is “indescribable”, says Dr Moore-Gilbert. She is now available for corporate engagements where she shares candidly her horrific ordeal and the resilience she discovered to always have hope of release.

Mark “Squiz” Squirrell OAM deployed to Liberia (with the United Nations) and Sierra Leonne (with Aspen Medical) during the 2015 Ebola Outbreak. It was his job to keep staff safe and ensure that the organisation could continue operating at the epicentre of the health emergency. Squiz is now available to deliver strategy sessions with your leadership team to provide insights and guidance based on what worked and failed during the Ebola Outbreak.

 

The session provides:

Leadership tactics for a workforce operating within the COVID-19 Outbreak Clarity (Fact versus Fear)

Insights into what is and what will happen to your workforce

A platform to corroborate your COVID-19 plan COVID-19 CORPORATE SESSIONS

 

Squiz can tailor his presentation to meet your workplace needs. The session can be delivered via a teleconference medium.

 

Click here to read http://www.glennh28.sg-host.com//Speakers/Mark-Squiz-Squirrell-OAM.aspx full bio

 

Gemma Acton is the Network Finance Editor at 7 News – the most-watched news service in Australia – where she presents the latest financial and business news to audiences across the entire country.

 

Having worked across finance and broadcast media for more than two decades, Gemma’s expertise and professionalism places her perfectly to deliver insights to the challenging economy, finance and business landscape we’re currently experiencing.

 

With global and national issues such as the uncertainty of war in Ukraine, diplomatic China tensions, unprecedented floods on the east coast of Australia, global inflation concerns to a looming federal election Gemma is extremely busy delivering the latest business and financial news to keep us informed.

 

On a daily basis Gemma interviews chief executives, company founders, fund managers and industry experts – as well as everyday Australians – to understand how changes in our economy and society affect all of us.

 

Gemma’s Business, Economics and Finance presentation pairs her primary focus of domestic financial issues and their formative effect on the everyday Australian together with her global financial expertise accrued from spending eighteen years abroad, to bring a unique perspective of Australia’s financial position on the world stage. Gemma tailors this keynote speech to suit the specific interests of the audience – be that the domestic or international economy, international financial markets or domestic household finances – ensuring she delivers a mix of historical and topical content and can incorporate graphics to augment her presentation.

 

Gemma also delivers an Industry Overview presentation where her day job requires her to keep a close eye on developments – and keep in close contact with those making headlines – in the key industries that underpin Australia’s economy with everything from fashion to farming falling within her remit. Gemma’s broad view of the industries that keep our society and businesses ticking along enables her to make meaningful contributions to industry-specific events by contextualising the industry in question within the scope of the wider economy.

 

Gemma’s professionalism, warmth and expertise make her a sought-after MC, facilitator and keynote speaker for corporate events and conferences, specific industry and association events.

 

Click here for Gemma Acton’s bio

Exciting news that former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Florida Dan Cockerell will be visiting Australia in May 2022 with his wife Valerie, former Disney Institute Facilitator.

 

Dan transferred to Paris to assist in the opening of Disneyland Paris and held various management positions in Park Operations. Dan then held various executive operations roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels, and retired as the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 millions guests annually.

 

He earned his MBA in 2001 at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan was a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years.

 

Dan creates a framework that fosters empowerment and employee engagement. He delivers an interactive and conversational format in his presentations sharing leadership insights and real life experiences from his various roles at Disney.

 

Dan conducts leadership, customer service and culture keynotes and workshops including The “Method to the Magic Workshop” and How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom?

 

Dan’s virtual keynotes are so insightful and informative and have received excellent feedback from those lucky enough to experience them.

 

Click here to view Dan Cockerell’s bio page

 

To enquire about opportunities to see Dan present while in Australia contact Platinum on 1300 314 788 or email theteam@platinumspeakers.com.au.

 

“Beefy is Back”

Sir Ian Botham is here for the Ashes

 

Sir Ian Botham is back in Australia for the Ashes Series and as always will be making himself available for those special corporate events, client lunches, meet and greets and even a game of golf!

 

One of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Sir Ian Botham ‘Beefy’ racked up 14 Test centuries and 383 wickets. He is an internationally recognised personality. An inspiring fundraiser, businessman and an obsessive angler Beefy will be commentating with legendary Australian Test Captain Mark Taylor on MMM radio covering every Test Match of the series which starts on Wednesday, 8th December at The Gabba.

 

Ian is remembered as the best all-rounder that English cricket has ever seen. Since his retirement from competitive cricket, he has continued his involvement in the game through the role of cricket commentator for Sky Sports, as well as developing his keen interest in golf on the Pro-Am Circuit.

 

Ian reached a career double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in his 21st Test match and his tally of 100 wickets was achieved in two years and nine days. The youngest cricketer to take 200 wickets in Tests, he reached his second double of 2,000 runs and 200 wickets after 42 Tests and was the first player to hit 5,000 runs and take 300 wickets in Tests. Of his many outstanding achievements, the greatest performance was in Bombay in 1979/80 for England vs India when he hit 114 in his only innings and took 13 wickets in the match (6-58 and 7-48).

 

He was awarded the OBE for his services to cricket and charity in 1992 and a knighthood in 2007. Ian also writes a column for the Daily Mirror.

 

Ian Botham is the best all-rounder England has ever produced. He holds the world record of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in just 21 tests, and he remains the greatest wicket taker in 115 years of English test cricket.

 

Ian is a fantastically entertaining speaker, whose brash style and charisma fills the room like his presence used to fill pavilions all over the cricketing world.

 

We all want to be healthier, but do you know what’s good for you?

For over thirty years, Dr Norman Swan has been delivering straight, honest, common-sense health information to ordinary Australians as both a physician and much-loved broadcaster. And when Australia needed clear, scientifically backed COVID-19 facts and advice, it was Norman Swan who stepped up every day to provide the answers we required.

 

After many years of listening, Norman Swan knows what medical issues people are curious and concerned about. Drawing on the questions he hears time and again, from millennials to baby boomers and all the generations between, So You Think You Know What’s Good For You? is a one-stop handbook that will settle fruitless anxieties and allow people to focus on what matters to them. Replace medical myths, half-truths and misconceptions with the information you need to make better decisions about how to eat and how to live to put your mind at ease and ensure your and your family’s health is the best it can be.

 

So You Think You Know What’s Good For You? is the new authoritative must-have for every health-conscious Aussie household.

 

Click here for Dr Norman Swan’s Bio Page

“If your employees are injured and unhealthy, all other goals get harder to reach. Creating a world-class safety culture requires not only expertise, planning, and prioritization, but most importantly requires visible leadership support, and an eye on leading indicators.”

 

After 19 different roles at the Walt Disney World Companies Dan finished his career as Vice President, Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida leading 12,000 cast members at the largest theme park in the world.

 

Dan outlines the Disney approach to building a culture of excellence that leads to world class leadership and customer service. Work teams mirror sports teams. There are workhorses, superstars, unsung heroes, introverts, extroverts, big and small egos. You are not there to lead these teams. You are there to work for them, guide them and make sure they are successful individually and as a group.

 

He explains that professional athletes and corporate athletes experience the same mental and emotional stresses; however, their approach is much different. Professional athletes train 95% of the time and compete 5% of the time. Those of us in business do the opposite.

 

Dan creates a framework that fosters empowerment and employee engagement. He delivers an interactive and conversational format in his presentations sharing leadership insights and real life experiences from his various roles at Disney.

 

Dan’s virtual keynotes are so insightful and informative and have received excellent feedback from those lucky enough to experience them.

 

Click here for Dan Cockerell’s bio page

With the Tokyo Olympics and COVID Lockdowns currently very present, Lauren Burns has been working with organisations providing positive and energetic input for virtual meetings and events. Lauren delivers an inspiring and energising 30 or 40 minute chat around mindset.

As it’s a very difficult time for many Australians with lockdowns and uncertainty, working and schooling remotely and being distanced from loved ones, family and friends Lauren is delivering practical, impactful lifestyle and mindset strategies to help employees during this tough time.

Lauren is a passionate, engaging and down to earth presenter. Her energy and optimism is contagious and will leave your audience inspired and motivated. Lauren is a true story teller, with the gift of transforming her stories into practical strategies for her audience to implement immediately.

For decades, Lauren has been conducting keynotes and workshops tailored specifically to her audience. Lauren created sporting history by winning the first Olympic Gold Medal for Taekwondo when the sport made its debut at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and she was one of only 3 Australian women to win an individual Gold medal alongside Cathy Freeman and Susie O’Neill.

Lauren’s autobiography, ‘Fighting Spirit’, was listed in the Sydney Morning Herald as a number one best selling sports book.

Lauren was inducted in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2017.

Click here for more on Lauren Burns Lauren Burns Bio Page

Victoria has been hit with the worst of the coronavirus pandemic compared with any other Aussie state, experiencing four lockdowns.

Sheedy partnered with Enthral to share a love letter in hopes of reviving the passion for his home state Victoria.

“Victoria is still the jewel in Australia’s crown, but everywhere I look, whether it be on the news or social media, all I see is negativity towards our great state,” he said.

“The Botanic Gardens, Olympic Boulevard, the Shrine, MCG and a magnificent cultural and arts centre, spread-eagled by the best restaurants in Australia; that’s what I love about Victoria and Melbourne.

“Love conquers everything – even a pandemic.”

 

Link to Kevin’s Love Letter to Victoria: click here

 

In January 2019 Kevin was awarded an Order of Australia for his distinguished service to Australian Football as a senior coach, and to education and employment programs for young people. A remarkable coach and gifted speaker, Kevin is a great addition to any conference agenda.

Read more at https://www.glennh28.sg-host.com//Speakers/Kevin-Sheedy-AO.aspx

 

As a speaker, facilitator, coach, bestselling author of three time management books, Kate draws on her background as an executive, lawyer, entrepreneur and mum of three teenagers to consult to big and small business, government departments and C suite executives on maximising individual time spend and managing organisational drag through smart time investment strategies.

We are living in unprecedented times. COVID-19 has turned the workplace norm upside down and suddenly, instead of a small minority of us working from home (aka ‘flexible’ work arrangements) millions of us have woken up to find our home is now also our workplace. 

So, just how do you continue to deliver, and deliver with great productivity and discipline, when the rules have so dramatically changed? 

Kate Christie is a time management specialist, best selling author, global speaker and the founder and CEO of Time Stylers.

Here, Kate shares her tried-and-tested advice…

1. Time Investment vs Time Management

The great irony about ‘Time Management’ is how much time we spend thinking about how we could, or should, be managing our time differently to get more done. Was there ever a greater waste of time? Probably not. Now, more than ever, it’s time to switch your mindset from one of ‘Time Management’ to one of ‘Time ‘Investment’.

Time is the one asset we all have exactly the same amount of – no matter how savvy or wealthy you are. So from today it’s time to start thinking about your time the way you think about your money – as a precious, enormously valuable and limited resource that needs to be consciously invested for the greatest possible return.

For every task you undertake while working at home, maximise your productivity by asking yourself this question: Is this the best use of my time?If the answer is ‘No’, then choose a better option.

2. Plan to Succeed

Start with a master To Do List of each task/ project you have on your plate. From your To Do List, identify the top two most important tasks to complete today – look to prioritise revenue generating tasks or tasks with the tightest deadline. At the end of each day, update the To Do List with any new tasks and identity the two most important tasks for tomorrow. If you do this every day, then by the end of the week at a minimum you will have completed your ten most important tasks for the week.

3. Focus on the Right Tasks

Maximise your productivity at home by focussing on the right tasks at the right time of day. Identity the time of day when you are at your absolute best – you’re most energised and impactful. Lock your two most important tasks (see #2) into your calendar during a high energy period of the day – for example, if you are a morning person then this time is sacred and must only ever be devoted to your most important, revenue generating work. Likewise, if you are more likely to have low energy in the afternoon, then use this time for your process driven tasks that don’t require your best brain.

4. Control Your Device Usage

Where’s your phone? Are you on it right now? I bet it’s within arms reach. While your phone is an essential business tool, especially when working from home, it also has the potential to be a massive productivity killer (think social media; news surfing; candy crush). The average smart phone user checks their phone every 6.5 minutes – and this constant compulsion to check your phone will severely limit your ability to use your time well. Be conscious of your device habits – if you want to maintain your productivity at home, it is important to set boundaries – work in 45 minute batches of time, single focus on the task and turn your phone off during each batch.

5. Stay Sane

We are creatures of habit – and now is the perfect time to create some new habits:

• Right now you will be saving significant commute time, don’t waste this gift! Get up and get active – exercise; eat well; meditate; focus; and have a set time to you sit down and start work.
• Take regular breaks during the day – your day should be set up as a series of 45 sprints, not an 8 hour marathon.
• Set and smash your deadlines – prove to yourself, your colleagues and your boss that you are super productive, regardless of where you are working from. Now is the perfect time to curate how you would like to work in the future!

 

To enquire about Kate Christie and find out how she can benefit your organisation and it’s people call 1300 314 788