Sharon Bown

Sharon Bown's Biography

Working in East Timor as a Royal Australian Air Force aeromedical evacuation nurse, Sharon narrowly escaped death when the helicopter in which she was travelling crashed in a violent storm. Suffering a severe spinal injury, a shattered jaw and aviation fuel burns, it was the unseen scarring of chronic pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that threatened to reveal the limits of her resilience. Yet the test was far from over. As Sharon faced the brutal consequences of her service and sacrifice, she endured the loss of her mother to breast cancer, the loss of three friends and colleagues in another helicopter crash and the attempted murder of her policeman father.

 

Well within her rights to shy away from life, Sharon vowed to not only survive, but to continue to live. To write a new story. She successfully fought against the assumptions of others to continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force – mixing in political circles around the world as Aide-de-Camp to the Minister for Defence, commanding an Air Force health unit, and ultimately proving her capability as a commander in a theatre of war – Afghanistan. Her superpower a decision to rise again pursuing purposeful service over the paralyses of pain.

 

As a Registered Nurse and humanitarian, Sharon is a woman who embodies grace and compassion, yet the sheer strength and the courage she has displayed over a 16-year military career reflects that of a warrior. Sharon has witnessed the very best and possibly the greatest evil of humanity.

 

Today Sharon continues to be of service to the men, women and families who serve Australia, providing a valuable insight into the sacrifice and unique qualities of their lives in the service of others. As a Member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial, she provides a voice for all who have served. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Sharon matches her personal experience with theoretical insight, delving into the nature of survival, resilience, courage, leadership and the art of curating a story of influence that is hopeful, optimistic and unashamedly breaking the taboos of what it is to live life after war.

 

As a speaker, Sharon is a beacon of hope for those facing adverse circumstances. She is an inspiring leader who balances grace with grit, and dignity with daring. Sharon is a compelling storyteller who will leave the audience spellbound as they journey through the life of a woman who simply wanted to be of service but in doing so would choose a different story and rise to be a courageous and on purpose leader.

Speaking Topics Include

LEADERS WHO RISE

In an age defined by rapid change and disruptive trends, the ability to rise as a resilient and agile leader has never been more significant. Leaders must remain calm in a storm, be adaptive in thinking and optimistic in storytelling.

 

In this presentation, Sharon shares leadership tools and insights gained in some of the most unpredictable environments on earth, managing situations beyond imagination. Sharon guides the audience through a step by step process that will enable any leader to not only rise from adversity but to embrace the growth that accompanies such a challenge.

 

Audiences emerge from this presentation, inspired by the story of a humble girl from Tasmania who discovered her purpose was to live a life in the service of others, and in doing so, rose to give voice to the men women and families of the Australian Defence Force. With resilience and deep courage, she rose to navigate danger in a way that enabled her to continue to rise, to be of service and to lead and inspire others.

 

Key Outcomes

Leadership

Leadership in crises

Diversity

Resilience

 

RISE - RESILIENCE IS A NARRATIVE

With the excitement and advancement of the technological revolution, humanity appears to have progressed to a world of opportunity and a more connected, globalised community, yet the more things change, the more they stay the same. The world’s poorest communities continue to be ravaged by war, poverty and disease, whilst the affluent battle with chronic disease and declining mental health. How do we find the strength to not only rise in times of crises but to grow and transform from adversity?

 

Audiences emerge from this presentation with a new perspective on resilient storytelling, and the knowledge that rising to the challenge of crises enables us to rediscover our purpose in life. All we need to do is rise with a narrative that serves a more abundant future.

 

Key Outcomes:

Story telling

Overcoming Adversity

Managing Disruption and Change

Resilient Leadership

Inspiration

 

HEARTS THAT RISE

In the depths of human crises such as war, we glimpse the very best and the very worst of humanity. The playing field of life is levelled to expose and magnify a shared vulnerability that is hard to comprehend day to day – each life begins and ends with a single breath and a beat of the heart. At the core of 'Hearts That Rise' is a simple message that as human beings, we share many more similarities in our stories than we do differences, and that in coming to accept this reality, our potential is infinite.

 

Audiences will rise from this presentation with a new perspective on the reality of life - inspired by acts of human kindness and compassion in the face of darkness. They will be empowered with the tools to create change in their own lives through harnessing their innate compassion and desire for greater social connection, creating communities built upon service and support. They can expect to walk away from this presentation with a tear in the eye, a smile in the heart, and an undeniable determination to make a difference.

 

Key Outcomes

Inspiration

Passion

Purpose

Compassion