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Overcoming Adversity / Resilience Speakers
Whether we like it or not adversity is part of life. Overcoming adversity is one of the big challenges we have in life. Speakers who have overcome adversity defy the odds, succeed in the face of adversity, survive tragedy and display strength and resilience when challenged. An overcoming adversity speaker will inspire an audience through their story of success and achievement following tragedy, injury, hardship or physical challenge. A speaker who has overcome adversity will inspire you to persist and succeed, face any challenge and overcome any obstacle that lies ahead to achieve a goal and success. Many speakers are ordinary people with a ‘rags to riches’ story or achieved the pinnacle of success in the sporting arena after setback or achieved record breaking physical and psychological challenges. Every challenge and every difficulty we successfully confront in life serves to strengthen our will, confidence and ability to conquer future obstacles. The speakers below will inspire and show you exactly what can be achieved when faced with adversity.
Browse Overcoming Adversity / Resilience Speakers
.... a natural and gifted speaker
.... Inspiring others, working for others, advocating for others wellbeing
.... Inspirational Sudanese Australian speaker and comedian
....psychiatrist, author, local councillor, media commentator and expert in removing obstacles to effect change
.... experienced Adelaide MC and sports presenter, Mark speaks candidly on his experience with addiction.
.... 2022 Australian of the Year
....weaves her three strands of her life's philosophy - attitude, belief, choice
....inspirational youth advocate
....One of AFL's favourite sons
....passionate about men's health and depression and family welfare
....committed to business excellence
....award winning performer and inspirational speaker
The Girl who Climbed Everest
.... 2013 Young Australian of the year Akram's personal story of success is compelling
....inspirational speaker and co-author of the best selling book "Head Over Heels"
.... Leading teams in the face of international crisis and disaster
.... passionate community advocate, highly regarded for his work in support of LGBTI equality and mental health
.... Natalie Bassingthwaighte is one of Australia’s most versatile entertainers
.... Head Coach of the Australian men’s hockey team the Kookaburras
....leader in the crusade against domestic violence
.... A Winning Mindset - Unleash the Champion Within
.... a powerful catalyst for personal growth and organisational transformation.
.... Fremantle Dockers General Manager. Peter speaks on 'Dealing with Success & Failure’
.... ''WORKPLACES THAT CREATE WINNING IDEAS"
....infectious energy, wisdom, vibrance, honesty and generosity in sharing her knowledge and experiences
.... skippered Australia II to victory in the 1983 America’s Cup
.... world record holding adventurer - Taking performance to the next level
....often described as Australia’s Erin Brokovich
.... Penguin Bloom – The remarkable story of how a little feathered friend made a positive difference during adversity
.... making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health issues
.... Australian basketball champion sharing his journey to the top!
.... the first Australian in 53 years to qualify for the Men’s 800m Olympic Final on the track in which he finished fourth
....passionate speaker on self-awareness and corporate MC
.... ‘Reboot Your Thinking’ social futurist and thought leader
.... a deeply talented communicator who inspires people to live bravely and laugh often.
.... sharing her story of resilience following an RAAF helicopter crash in East Timor
.... Learning To Live With Mental Health Issues: Positive Skills To Develop Resilience
.... The I in Team - Positive Wellbeing
....one of Australia's greatest track and field athletes
.... Australian foreign correspondent - 2020 Walkley Award, for her fearless coverage.
....the Last Man Standing
....held hostage for 462 days in Somalia
.... separated from his mother only to be reunited with her 25 years later. Author of ‘A Long Way Home
....uplifting, motivating, inspiring and often humorous
.... leader in the science of high performance thinking
.... never giving up and keep showing up has inspired the nation
.... Former Naval Commander, cultural change and leadership speaker
.... 2023 Australian of the Year
.... World record coaching success - developing high performance culture for large and small organisations
....discover your strength
.... 3x Guinness World Record-breaking adventurer
.... Elevating Potential - practical strategies to bring structure, balance and energy into lives, careers and businesses
.... Sally delivers powerful, heartfelt, and meaningful messages about how we can all change our mindsets to meet life's challenges
.... Nas Campanella is the ABC's national disability affairs reporter.
Indigenous NRL player shares his story of depression
....World and Olympic aerial skiing champion
....no such thing as quitting
....named one of the world's top 50 business mentors by a USA based publishing company
.... one of Australia's highest profile child, adolescent and family psychologists.
....surfer, father, businessman, celebrity and addict.
.... Living on the edge – Working in the most dangerous and remote parts of the world
.... Gold Medallist Paralympian and World Champion Sprinter
....they are not crazy they are inspirational, successful and great motivating figures for us all
.... Pumper - exceptional Australian jockey
.... THE 6 STEP JOURNEY FROM INSPIRATION TO EXECUTION
....challenges people to be themselves, believe in themselves, find purpose and focus, nurture their creativity
.... inspirational dual Australian of the Year 2019
.... A remarkable story of perseverance, resilience and tenacity
.... clinical psychologist and leading mindfulness consultant
.... professional Melbourne based comedian for 25 years
.... leadership and culture expert who was the 2016 Olympics Chef de Mission.
....called Singapore's very first professional adventurer
.... at the forefront of the campaign to stop violence against women
....discover and honour the hero within each of us
.... With an OAM & 17 Paralympic medals under her belt, in 2021 Ellie Cole became Australia’s most decorated female Paralympians.
....The Body Coach
.... ‘The Force Within – from Paralympian to Police Officer’
.... Breaking barriers: succeeding when you’re the minority voice
....inspirational speaker with a focus on turning change and adversity into opportunity
....the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe
.... Back from the brink - overcoming depression
.... compelling speaker who's defied convention
....Australia's greatest Paralympian
....the world's most extraordinary long distance swimmer
....inspirational international award winning childrens youth and charity worker
.... renowned speaker and corporate trainer recognised nationally and internationally as a leadership expert 'The King of Calm’
.... shares his journey during a long and painful battle with addiction
.... an incredible life story and true inspiration
.... Li Cunxin's inspirational story has to be heard and is truly inspiring and motivating
.... an amazing story of determination and success
....incredible humanitarian contribution
....down to earth, informed, entertaining and provocative leadership speaker
.... The Unbreakable Farmer
.... incredible story of hope and determination
.... Qantas pilot forced to make an emergency landing saving 469 passengers
.... master at overcoming adversity, facing fears, and inspiring and motivating others to do the same
.... warded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020
.... empowering keynote speaker - Leadership, resilience and workplace culture
.... sought after speaker, writer, event facilitator and disability rights advocate
.... a true inspiration, a social and business entrepreneur
....The Cross Road - a story of life, death and the SAS
.... inspirational indigenous performer
.... Scott's amazing sporting story, coupled with his life experiences, professional journey and education
.... building high performing environments and teams
.... passionate speaker, corporate host and presenter
.... uses music to create connections across cultures, generations, and spaces.
....one of the true advocacy journalists of our time
....if you can’t win, make the person in front break the record
....won the Oscar ® for Best Animated Short
.... Twice shot - lessons of resilience and overcoming adversity
....strong leadership and performance under adversity
.... shares his raw and honest experience of depression, alcohol and drug abuse
.... Turning your flaw into a ‘SUPERPOWER’
....global reputation for ultra distance running
.... Developing a strategic mental health plan for small business ownership
.... the unique ability to transform impossibilities into possible realities
.... world champion wheelchair athlete and 2019 NSW Australian of the Year
....passionate about youth and community issues such as bullying diet and health
.... Walkley-winning journalist, interviewer, author and documentary maker
.... Dare to embrace change: Champion your own success
....'How Fev turned the corner'
....counsellor educator lecturer teacher - Bullying in the workplace or school
....Described in 1984 as the 'World's Greatest Living Explorer'
.... WA 2012 Local Hero Australian of the Year
.... Commissioner of Resilience NSW & 2021 NSW Australian of the Year
.... “Dig a little deeper” Seventeen years ago, a phone call changed Darren’s life forever.
... a ‘True Australian Leader’ and social justice advocate
....one of Australia's foremost experts in the area of amplifying workplace performance
.... Narelle shares her amazing journey as a Police detective for 27 years
.... an Australian sporting superstar and an Australian icon
.... National Men’s Sevens Rugby Union Coach
.... putting the heart back into psychology “Your Best Life at Any Age”
....International Stunt Performer, Outdoor Guide and author
.... Australia’s first female winter Paralympic medalist - Dual summer & winter Paralympian.
.... Overcoming adversity and achieving the impossible
....passion for the pursuit of excellence in life and sport
.... award winning human rights activist, inspirational speaker, facilitator and consultant
....Sir Bob Geldof is one of the most fascinating public figures of our time.
.... Maximise your potential with Josh
.... The Power of a Dream - Engaging a workforce for optimum performance
.... the remarkable story of Fiori who went from being a child soldier in Africa
.... Food for Thought’ - Julie speaks candidly about her journey with mental health
.... Australian tennis legend - a Wiradjuri woman and one of Australia's most loved sportspeople.
.... inspirational story of entrepreneurial success
....articulate and extremely inspiring speaker, with his achievements, strength and determination to succeed
....Pete Goss has sailed more than 300,000 nautical miles
....Ricky’s infectious enthusiasm will inspire, motivate and entertain any audience
.... Amazing story of an extraordinary career. Insights into risk management, teamwork, resilience and leadership
.... Affectionately known as "The Green Machine" an Australian boxing icon
.... Australian pole vaulting champion and elite athlete
....international competitor in adventure racers
....developed the Big Issue Street Soccer Program
....Retired Wing Commander Fighter Pilot in RAAF, self-disciplined risk manager and communicator
....will inspire you to pursue your dreams whatever they may be
....former pro cyclist
.... "Broken Open" which gives a very personal account of living with Bipolar Disorder.
.... award-winning journalist, senior presenter at ABC TV Queensland
.... Fastest person to circumnavigate Australia by paddle
.... strategies to build leadership, resilience, adaptability, creativity, coaching, self-management and engagement skills
.... one of the most sought after female athletes in Australia with her legendry smile and bubbly personality
.... Prevent, Prepare, Promote and Protect sets a new, holistic, multi-stakeholder culture to getting ahead of disasters
.... entrepreneur and Influencer in a new age of resilience
.... Joint Australian of the Year 2019
.... man on a mission to shift the narrative around mental health
....thought leader in the areas of productivity, communication, and overcoming adversity
.... Australian Hockeyroo Captain, Olympian and elite sportsperson
....holds six Australian Open Ironman titles
.... one of Australia’s leading customer service and customer engagement speakers
.... Surviving Life - what are the attributes we need to live the best
.... powerful and experienced speaker on mental health and wellbeing
.... inspirational fashion designer Alannah Hill is the Founder and Designer of Alannah Hill
.... Instills a catalyst for action. 'Stand Out: A real world guide to get clear, find purpose and become the boss of busy'
....an articulate, humorous and relaxed presenter
.... Former Vice Captain – Perth Wildcats, 2018 West Australian of the Year Youth Award recipient
....undercover operations, business owner, private investigator and bodyguard
....Paul Hockey’s impact on his audience is remembered forever
....Brad speaks candidly about his mental health challenges
.... inspirational resilience, Dave's story will encourage others to prevent workplace accidents
.... My Way - Moana’s inspirational story is quite overwhelming
.... Passionate about developing great teams, lead by inspiring people who thrive and adapt
....successive governments rely heavily on his wisdom, judgment, leadership and character
.... Bouncing Back – “Inch by Inch it’s a cinch”
.... motivates and moves audiences to exceed personal and professional expectations
.... Keeping Wings Level and Getting Stuff Done
.... Storyteller with a passion for building resilience and community in the face of hardship.
.... Passionate Australian Swimmer, Commonwealth Games Medallist & World Record Holder
.... one of Australia's greatest ever female basketball players
.... The importance of resilience and mindset
....environmental scientist, public speaker and explorer
.... a remarkable woman “Caught in the Crossfire”
.... One Australia's most successful touring car drivers
.... 2018 Victorian Australian of the Year
.... Importance of safety and organisational culture
....author, illustrator and public speaker
.... Recognised Global, Energetic and Passionate Leader of her Generation
.... Having overcome personal obstacles, Leisel is a vocal advocate for mental health
.... Australia's pre-eminent Explorer, keynote speaker, adventure thinker and storyteller.
.... retired Detective Chief Inspector after a 34-year career with the NSW Police Force
.... Lessons from Growing and Losing a $650m Business
.... inspirational story of hope, adversity and achieving the impossible
....expertise in leadership, teamwork and safety culture
....Fighting for justice
.... from bikie gang to the operatic stage - Geoff Knight's story is extraordinary!
.... overcome adversity like no other
.... two time Olympian, a leading sports administrator and a powerful human rights advocate
.... My Story - The Highs & Lows & the Lessons Learnt
.... popular comedian and story teller, who leaves audiences howling
.... Australian cricket coach - sincerity, strength of purpose, humour and broad appeal, a much sought after corporate speaker
....one of America’s foremost experts on budget travel
....Australian Olympic freestyle skier gold medallist, entrepreneur and mum
....the first contested equal opportunity anti-discrimination case in Australia
.... inspirational success story - CEO and Co-Founding Director of The Kurrajong Kitchen Group
.... Building resilience in time of challenge and change
.... The King is regarded by many as the greatest rugby league player ever
....resilient staff and pressure proof your business
....standing ovations, truly touching and inspiring
.... the art of ‘Entrepreneurial Thinking’
.... The transformative power of being “All In”
....a Singaporean mountaineer and motivational speaker
.... shares how to adapt intentionally, ultimately influencing own happiness.
.... Kick starting your corporate event with a powerful message that engages positive thoughts
....teaches innovation for a workplace that nourishes life. A place where fun, joy, vitality, productivity and incredible teamwork drive out stress, boredom, toxic energy and burnout.
.... AFL icon, sports commentator and high demand as a corporate inspirational speaker
.... Hockeyroo, Olympian, Nurse and RUOK? Day & Lifeline Ambassador
.... An Australian comedic star on the rise - speaker on the subject of ‘Homelessness’ and ‘Respect and Compassion’
....a taste for adventure
....vivacious, engaging and passionate
.... highly experienced leadership speaker
....You never know what’s around the corner
.... Fablice shares his inspirational journey with such positivity
.... a proven business leader, communicator and organisational renovator
.... Adversary to Triumph – Jerusha's personal story
.... takes you and your team from frazzled and overwhelmed to focussed and aligned
....Fighting Fear - Surviving in a turbulent world
....dynamic and inspirational
2022 Sports Administrator of the Year and CEO of the WACA
.... Greatest endurance athlete on the planet Chloe is an inspirational World Record Australian marathon swimmer
.... The Jason McCartney Story – The determination to never give up
.... Award winning comedian, radio host and Shebah startup entrepreneur
...journey to the End of the Earth
.... Australian cricket legend
....Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and young people
.... expert in personal and organisational leadership, communication, productivity and performance
....Durability of Human Performance - exceptional story of overcoming the odds
.... A passion focused on the Mental Health solution of Social Connection
....Track cyclists champion - Olympic, World and Commonwealth medalist
.... SAS: Who Dares Wins: Leadership Secrets from the Special Forces
.... Change your mindset for success in business
....52 international marathons in 52 weeks
.... shares insights on leadership, teamwork, health and fitness and overcoming adversity
.... Australian Olympic Gold diving sensation
.... Brilliant corporate host and Lifeline ambassador
.... inspirational diversity and inclusion advocate - Co founder of MoneyGirl
.... Empowering people: Rural communities stepping up to global challenges
....specialist in boardroom dynamics
.... The Uncaged Sky – Kylie’s 804 day ordeal as a political prisoner in Iran
.... a great thinker and business storyteller
.... one of the best inspirational and motivational speakers
.... 2020 Australian of the Year "Harnessing your passion to change the world"
.... only female Australian Navy pilot to see active service in Afghanistan
....expert in Cultural Change and Developing Corporate workplace culture
... no excuse for mediocrity no apology for adversity
.... ‘Under Siege’ - Outlines Belinda’s policing experiences and the ‘lived experience’ with PTSD
.... Charismatic, engaging, dynamic and wholehearted, Kemi is a captivating orator
.... Inspirational Australian - 5 time Paralympian and Australian wheelchair basketball captain
....inspiring reminder of the importance of workplace safety
.... co owner The Red Lantern, inspirational businesswomen and entrepreneur
.... an incredible inspiration Lorin shows strength, resilience and determination with a dose of humour
.... Sharni shares her struggles with mental health and inspirational messaging
.... The first Indigenous captain of the Socceroos, two-time Olympian and winner of two A-League Championships
.... Former WA Police Commissioner instrumental in reform and cultural change
.... turned surviving into thriving through hope
.... Authentic, raw, perspective altering & life changing
....inspiring, engaging and motivational
...one of the paramount survival stories of all time
....one of the UK’s top strategic thinkers and forecasters
.... 2015 Telstra WA Business Woman of the Year Award
.... Inspirational leader driving new directions in public policy on indigenous issues
.... a leader in the science of Peak Performance
.... 'Miss Adventure' Positive messages to inspire all audiences
....first Aboriginal Australian to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games
.... an Australian icon, brings his courageous spirit to the corporate world
....Gulf War POW - dealing with uncertainty
.... passionate about issues of positive ageing, dementia reform, living well
....an exceptional example of the strength of the human spirit
.... ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things!
....motivational fitness and well being speaker
.... Chelsea is an ambassador for R U OK. She will empower, motivate, lead and inspire
.... sharing valuable insights of communication, goal setting, skill set and achieving excellence. Kerri even guides attendees through a glass walk
....International award winning chef
.... 'Leadership without rank' - Streetwise Leader, Master Storyteller
....motivational Perth Wildcats Captain
....one of the best centres in the history of Rugby League
....successfully led the 58th Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Davis Station
.... examining the barriers and opportunities of diversity
.... Resilience expert who shares his message in his keynote "Amputate Dead Weight"
.... one of Australia's leading motivational keynote presenters
A Life Interrupted – An inspirational story of resilience
.... exceptional speed painting performer / overcoming depression and mental illness
.... Is This My Beautiful Life?
.... Try Hard: Tales from the Life of a Needy Overachiever
....2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor
.... co-founder of the Institute for Mental Resilience
....crisis management and strategic leadership professional
.... Mental Resilience & Overcoming Challenging Times
.... passion and commitment to highlighting mental health in Australia
....Helps businesses and people achieve their goals
.... Award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and Adjunct Associate Professor
.... exceptional coach and speaker - A true AFL legend
....transformed leading Australian bakery franchise Brumby’s
.... History making humanitarian, author and international keynote speaker
.... inspirational young indigenous woman and author of 'My Tidda, My Sister'
.... Blaze your own trail – how to make your mark in business and life
... former Australian Paralympian swimmer - leading global disability inclusion consultant
.... outstanding business success story and exceptional leader
.... Australia's highest bravery decoration, the Cross of Valour
.... The Lady Stripped Bare: How to Uncover the Real You
....from green beret to international aid worker
.... PushPastImpossible™ – ‘discover the strength you never knew you had’
.... inspiring young people to achieve their dream - The Lady Tradie'
.... League legend! The power of a dream, Facing and overcoming fears
....award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and broadcaster
....dual world record holding BASEjumper and wingsuit pilot, a mountaineer
....one of Australia’s most versatile, critically acclaimed and popular comedy performers
.... UNDER THE HELMET GENDER IS IRRELEVANT
....creating champion mindsets in all of us
.... An insight into overcoming personal adversity by two of Australia’s most engaging public speakers and ex-pro sportsmen
....authority on international business opportunities
....aerospace engineer and a NASA astronaut
....an inspiring war veteran turned paralympian who's triumph against adversity proves no challenge is too great
.... A Better me - Introducing a new approach to Wellbeing
.... 'Bomber: The Whole Story’ - Bomber's journey, the highs and the lows
....empowering resilience speaker
.... one of the most successful sportspeople Australia has ever produced
...dynamic, humorous and professional
....an inspirational story and powerful presenter
... 'Beneath the surface' - sharing her mental health challenges following her swimming career
.... remarkable Australian rugby player
.... A natural born storyteller, propelled from the cold alleys of a Malawian refugee camp
.... inspired to share his story and teach people about ‘attitude, safety and culture’
....survived a 22,000 volt electrical accident
.... Beau is a true inspiration in the face of adversity
....Founder of The Ocean Warrior course / Big Wave Paddle-in Champion
....Behaviour and Wellbeing approaches through great Learning Culture
.... create sustainable success and develop a leadership mindset
.... Elite Leadership - Survivor.... Life in the SAS
.... Candice shares messages of resilience, strength, fighting from within and the joy of hitting rock bottom
.... THE PERFORMANCE EQUATION - HOW TO ALWAYS GET THE BEST RESULT POSSIBLE
....youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world
....inspiring athlete and high performance consultant
.... Author of Warhorse, speaker on workplace safety
.... Follow your dreams no matter what
....acclaimed adventurer, filmmaker, author, photographer and artist
.... Being the best you. The “Why”, “How” and “What” of mental health
.... Sharing such positivity - Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
.... A Passion for Life and Sport - Jim Wilson is a professional communicator.
.... Leigh Woodgate’s 7 Steps to Overcoming Anything
.... Tackling humanities hardest challenges - Daniel Wordsworth CEO of World Vision
.... Getting to the bottom of the suicide crisis
.... Inspired by the principle of humanity
.... The pillars of a mentally healthy workplace
....be moved, inspired and challenged
.... the first Australian female to ever be deployed to combat on fast jet operations
.... inspirational story of resilience - passionate about empowering her audience with messages of diversity and inclusion
.... Bella reveals the secrets that took her from burn out to becoming world champion