Jessica Smith OAM

Jessica Smith OAM's Biography

Jessica Smith OAM is a leading global disability inclusion consultant.

The former Australian Paralympic Swimmer, is also a public & motivational speaker and children’s author.

As a public speaker, writer, lecturer and using her social media presence, Jessica helps facilitate honest conversations about diversity and accessiblity, to highlight practical solutions to improve the lack of inclusivity within society.

She has an incredible story of triumphs and tribulations. Born missing her left arm, then suffering an horrific accident when she was a toddler where she sustained burns to 15% of her body, she defied odds and went on to represent her country in the sport of swimming for seven years, culminating in her selection onto the Australian Paralympic team in 2004.

Sport gave Jessica ambition and focus while she tried to confront societal obstacles around body image and disability acceptance. She was able to eventually break free from personal struggles with depression and eating disorders in her 20’s.

But perhaps the most important story there is to tell about Jessica, is that of the inspiring woman she is today; since retiring from her international swimming career Jessica has gone on to become an internationally recognised advocate for positive body image, diversity & inclusion, and disability awareness.

After completing a BSc. Population Health from the University of Wollongong, Australia, she went on to complete executive studies in Gender Diversity at INSEAD. It’s Jessica’s ability to combine her personal experiences and academic knowledge that makes her so intriguing and inspiring.

As an accomplished speaker, Jessica has taken the stage at schools, universities, major corporations and community organisations - including the UN, where she shares her personal journey and expertise on diversity, inclusion & equality.

Jessica is continually acknowledged for her incredible advocacy work; awarded ‘Emerging Leader’ by the Australian Government at the Positive Body Image awards, as well as being awarded a Pride of Australia Medal. In 2015 Jessica was a state finalist for ‘Young Australian of The Year’ and in 2017 she was named Cosmopolitan Magazine ‘Woman of The Year’ in the category of Game Changer.

Most recently, Jessica was awarded one of Australia’s highest honours, the ‘Medal of the Order of Australia’ for a number of roles within the community, and dedication to sport.

Jessica is also the mother of three young children. Her journey into motherhood inspired her to write a series of children’s books about disability and acceptance. After growing up with limited resources on these topics, Jessica wanted to create characters that represent what kids see in every day life. Her book series ‘Just Jessica” is about a young girl with one hand on her first day at school, where she learns that being ‘different’ is OK.

Jessica has recently relocated from Australia to Dubai, where she is working as a speaker and advisor on the topics of diversity and inclusion.

Speaking Topics Include

Hitting Rock Bottom, and how Powerful it can be

Jessica hit her rock bottom when she was forced into early retirement from her swimming career after struggling with eating disorders and depression for more than a decade. To the outside world it appeared that Jessica had everything going for her, she was a Paralympian, studying her Masters at University, a home owner - all by the age of 20. In less than two years, she was broke, living back with her parents, divorced - but more motivated that she had ever been.
Hitting rock bottom allowed Jessica to reassess what her goals were and where she needed to be in life. So many of us get overwhelmed with the hard stuff, we can’t possibly see how we will pick ourselves up. But once when you learn from others, and see that regaining your own self worth is possible, your power to reinvent your life is endless.

The Power of Body Image

Jessica has been speaking about Positive Body Image for years, her audiences span from young children right through to the corporate walls of businesses dominated by men. Her message is to teach us all that body image isn’t about vanity, beauty or perfection - it’s about how we think and feel about their own appearance, and therefore that encompasses - race, gender, religion, sexuality, disability and culture. As cliché as it might sound in today’s current climate, learning to harness your self esteem will enable you to master any and every goal that you set, whether that be personally or professionally.

Maintaining a winning mindset

Even the most successful athletes have bad days. So how do you maintain a winning mindset even on the days you don’t win? And why is that so important?

Leadership without the ego

Being a good leader isn’t about how loud and proud you are - so leave your ego at the door and learn how to authentically communicate with the people around you before you dare try to lead them!