Jacqui Cooper

Jacqui Cooper is an Aerial Skier champion of 20 years. Having represented Australia in 5 Olympic meets, Jacqui Cooper has won several World Titles and Awards. Jacqui is a passionate speaker who shares her journey bringing in key messages around topics of self belief, triumph, adversity, and encouragement.

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Testimonials for Jacqui Cooper

La Trobe Financial is proud to have been Jacqui’s lead Sponsor for the past three(3) years as she embodies all the attributes and hallmarks of wonderful Australian sportswomen and International Champion. She is modest, warm and sincere and has an unparalleled ability to communicate her message to a whole host of age groups that we employ from 18 to 50. This five time Olympian is one in a billion, and an opportunity to hear from her real life injury come backs time and time again, as well as her World cup achievements should never be missed.”

Greg O’Neill, CEO La Trobe Financial Corporation

“It has helped us to keep driving forward and overcoming challenges when things appear to get jammed in our business. She delivered such a powerful message to the team.”

iVsion – National Sales Manager

“I have heard Jacqui speak on about three occasions and each time I have been inspired by her story. I have witnessed the effect on the audience, she has them spellbound as she talks about her achievements and the incredible challenges she has overcome with injuries etc. yet still bounce back to the top. The most important take away for me is that you can reach incredible heights and then incredible lows but if you want something enough, and if you are passionate enough and single minded enough to pursue it – it will happen!"

Human Resources, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Australia/New Zealand

“Jacqui had the crowd mesmerised, with applause from the group throughout her speech. She was more than happy to answer any questions and she personally went up to each table after her speech with one of her world titles trophy and handed her world championship medals around the room. She was also happy to have her photo taken with trophy in hand with any and every one from my group. I really don’t know how I’m going to top next year's dinner – it has been three days and I am still receiving calls and emails about Jacqui.”

Vestas, Executive Assistant to Managing Director

We asked Jacqui to tailor a 45 min presentation about Japan and deliver it at a travel expo about Japan, highlighting culture, adventure, the four seasons, sport and people. Jacqui delivered a presentation that inspired tour operators to want to leave the venue and get on a plane – destination Japan. Her delivery was fun, informative, relaxed, specific and engaging. We knew that Jacqui speaks regularly with a “set presentation”; she proved herself as a versatile speaker that can wow an audience with any topic or theme.

Jacqui was so generous with her time, energy and effort; she helped us set up the event, she stayed to speak to the audience and was happy to have photos taken with anyone who asked. She also took the time to walk through the expo before leaving to ensure everyone had had the opportunity to meet with her. If you were looking for a “one of a kind” presentation that’s tailored just for you, then Jacqui’s name should be at the top of your list.”

Executive Director, Japan National Tourism Organization

“I just wanted to send a short note of appreciation for the outstanding session you ran at our Harcourts M1 Conference last week. I’ve been to many conferences and listened to over 200 speakers and I believe your session was the best I have ever heard. Your delivery was fantastic, the way you engaged with our people was amazing but I must say the level of dedication and discipline you have shown throughout your life to achieve your goals was by far the most impressive thing for me. If our people take 10% of the discipline you have shown they will all be superstars. Once again thank you for your time and more importantly thank you for your value…. You’re amazing.”

Harcourts Real Estate – Business Owner

“Jacqui shared with over 500 attendees some of her own life experiences and insightful observations when talking on the Conference theme of change. Jacqui’s demonstrated great ability to engage with a diverse audience was clearly evident by the reactions of the audience during her 40-minute presentation. She encouraged all in attendance to look at ways to reach certain goals and do good to others.”

“Jacqui was a pleasure to work with during the planning process for the Conference. Her professionalism and planning suggest she was very well prepared for the Conference and her informal conversations before and after the presentation were well received. All in attendance valued her message which was delivered with the right balance of humour, enthusiasm and instructional guidance. Jacqui greatly enhanced the experience of all who attended the Conference. I would thoroughly endorse Jacqui as a key note speaker for any gathering.”

Scott Bramley, Rotary Club of Greensborough Central

“When we booked Jacqui we expected an interesting story given what we knew of her history, but she far exceeded our expectations. Her mix of enthusiasm, passion, commitment and never give up attitude is both intriguing and infectious. Our collective group were in awe of her achievements and the road which brought her to the pinnacle of her career. We have booked many guest speakers over the years from varying backgrounds and it is fair to say Jacqui Cooper is one that will be remembered for a long time to come. Jacqui not only went above and beyond what was required of her during her booked speaking slot she took time to speak with anyone interested (and there was a lot!) afterwards. Jacqui is an absolute professional who we would highly recommend to anyone looking to drive a strong message surrounding leadership, culture, dedication and focus.”

Tara Stewart, New Holland Agriculture

"Leadership Victoria has engaged Jacqui 10 times over the years. particularly where we are wanting to emphasise the importance of vision, determination and resilience; we know that Jacqui, through sharing her life story, will take our program groups right to the heart of these important leadership traits. Jacqui leaves our groups feeling inspired and determined to be there very best.

Tony Matthews, Manager Leadership Development, Leadership Victoria

“Jacqui presented to Domain's Women in Property Development lunch in February and was nothing short of sensational. She inspired the crowd through her incredible stories of will power, commitment and pushing through adversity..

Jacqui used her experiences with sport as an example of striving to the best you can be no matter what your profession or passion. This was perfectly relatable to the corporate audience attending and we received incredibly positive feedback from the day thanks to Jacqui.”

Paul Tyrrell, National Trade Marketing Director: Developers, Marketing Director: Domain Vic

“Jacqui had us captivated from the moment she walked into the room. Her presentation to the Sales Team was delivered with enormous energy, enthusiasm and humour, and made us feel that ordinary people could truly achieve extraordinary things. Jacqui received a rare standing ovation from our group, who have commented months down the track that her message of determination and perseverance continues to inspire them daily.”

Jane Lawrence, Alsco, Marketing Director

“It is always a daunting task to source a guest speaker for an event. After sorting through a plethora of options, we took the plunge with Jacqui after receiving outstanding feedback on her presentation. Jacqui far exceeded what we could have hoped for in a guest speaker – our team and clients were captivated for hours at our lunch time events. We have booked Jacqui 10 times now; we don’t think we could find a better speaker for our events, so we just re-book her. Her presentation takes you on a uplifting journey, peppered with her wonderful down to earth humour. To say that Jacqui is great is an understatement, she is truly inspirational.”

Charlotte Gell | Marketing Executive, Accountancy Insurance

Jacqui Cooper travels from VIC, Australia
Fee Range: $5001 to $10000

Jacqui Cooper's Biography

Jacqui Cooper represented Australia in the sport of aerial skiing for over 20 years. Spotted on a trampoline in Melbourne at age 16 she was quickly recruited with a vision for her to be a World Champion 10 years later. With a detailed plan in place and unwavering commitment from Jacqui she became a World Champion; and in the decade that followed, Jacqui Cooper dominated and revolutionised her sport.

In a long and decorated career, Jacqui has competed in 139 World Cup Events, nine World Championships and has been selected to five Winter Olympic teams, the first Australian Woman in history (Summer or Winter Games) to have enjoyed this honour. And with a record five world titles, 39 World Cup medals, 25 World Cup wins and three major World Championship medals, Jacqui Cooper is indisputably the greatest aerial skier of all time.

Jacqui's sport, however, is unforgiving; she has multiple reconstructions for her knee, elbow, shoulder and hip. In 2001 she broke her back in an attempt to win a record third World Title; she went on and won it. In 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Jacqui shattered her knee and broke her leg just two days before scheduled to compete, destroying a dream years in the making.

In 2010, Jacqui competed in Vancouver after a year of intense hip and knee rehabilitation, shocking doctors and spectators with her brave attempt to be competitive, despite the odds. She spent most of the months leading into the competition in a wheelchair, learning to walk again, and gaining confidence in a sport that is often brutal and cruel. She stunned the world when she placed fifth, the best Olympic result of her career.

In addition to sport, Jacqui's passion is the education of young people on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, being role models, pursuing your dreams, being active, and goal setting. Jacqui speaks to all levels of students.

Since retiring from sport Jacqui wasted no time using her skills, entrepreneurial qualities and attributes that made her incredibly successful in sport, in business. She has created products that are needed, used, and wanted by Australians.

In 2011 Jacqui founded her own company Champion Events; Champion Events recently became the first company in Australia to run corporate banner making, an idea inspired by Jacqui herself. A team building event where participants create and build crepe banners (like the real ones on AFL game day) in the change rooms in the MCG. Company values are taped onto the crepe paper giving the day strength and worth. Once built the team get the thrill of running through their banner on the famous grass at the MCG.

Jacqui has also found the time to write two books. Being an author of two books with a focus on IVF is something she is proud of. “FROZEN HOPE” and “IT TOOK 3 TO MAKE ME”. All 3 of her children were born using IVF technology. Passionate about that process, she wrote a memoir for couples undergoing or embarking on a sometimes very rocky, long, hard, emotional journey. Her memoir “Frozen Hope” will help prepare and support anyone undertaking extraordinary lengths to have the family they have always dreamed about. Her children’s book is a cheerfully illustrated book using a poem she wrote for her first daughter. The poem explains the IVF process to children, allowing parents to start a sometimes awkward and difficult conversation around how they came to be. Both books have already been purchased by a leading fertility centre in Australia and given to patients as gifts. The books are also sold in all major Australian book stores and on Amazon.com.

In 2015 Jacqui’s daughter was diagnosed with Coeliac disease; inspired by that diagnosis Jacqui made it her mission and promised her daughter that she would create a range of food that she could trust, was easy to make and most importantly, it had to taste great. Jacqui created her own range of gluten free frozen dough products – cookie, pastry and pizza dough. All you need to do is thaw it, bake it and enjoy it. “When I buy or cook food, Maddy often asks me – Is that food for me? I created “Food For Me just for her”. Jacqui’s range of FOOD FOR ME is a first to market in Australia and is now being manufactured in a fully gluten free facility in Langwarrin, Victoria. An Australian owned and Australian made brand with endorsement from Coeliac Australia. Her products are being sold by a national retailer. Jacqui’s; proud that her promise to her daughter is not only changing her daughter’s life but changing the lives of some many diagnosed coeliacs.

Jacqui's story is one of self-belief, passion, triumph, tragedy and the ability to overcome adversity against the odds.

Speaking Topics Include

A View from the top (keynote)

Jacqui Cooper's story is one of triumph, tragedy, defeat and success. It’s a story that makes you believe in the strength of the human spirit. Her passion, persistence and unwavering dedication to a sport that is brutal and cruel, is absolutely inspiring. Jacqui takes you on a journey – a journey that lasts 21 years in her sport. As well as being entertained and inspired, your audience will be left with a lasting impression that “success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Jacqui’s presentation entitled “A View From the Top” includes;

DVD montage of her career narrated by Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta

Stories from her childhood; events that shaped her future

Reliving inspirational and courageous moments in sport and life

Jacqui’s philosophy on the attributes of a successful person

Audience participation

Photo opportunities with her crystal World Cup and World Championship gold medal

The Business of Sport

Jacqui spent twenty years in her sport; twenty years planning, learning, failing, overcoming adversity, developing, reinventing, striving and succeeding. She’s now described as the greatest Aerial Skier of all time.

Jacqui uses ten points in her presentation to link business to sport, and sport to business. She will tell you that all the same ingredients needed to be successful in business, were needed to dominate a decade in her sport. The fundamentals for being the greatest aerial skier of all time are also needed in business:

1. Goal set – plan.

2. Getting organised.

3. Learn the skill/craft. Keep the skills current.

4. Specialise so that you have a niche in the market.

5. Emphasising the importance continual growth.

6. Constantly reinvent yourself.

7. Persistence – adversity is everywhere.

8. Balance in work and life.

9. Process = outcome.

10. Performance.

Jacqui will tell you that she wasn’t a super talented athlete, believes she’s just a woman that had a passion – a real love affair with what she was doing. She worked harder than anybody else in her field, she followed a plan, she put processes in place and she was driven. She was determined, courageous, resilient and always had the self-belief that enabled her to overcome anything or anyone that got between her and hers goals.

Champion athletes keep training when the crowd has left the stadium, they keep training when the lights have been turned off; they become winners when no one is watching. The same goes for successful people in business.

Jacqui’s presentation entitled The Business of Sport includes:

The DVD montage of her career narrated by Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta

10 key components linking the parallels between sport and business