We know that everyone could use a dose of inspiration and motivation at the moment and one of the most common briefs we receive is someone with a great story to share.
We've curated a list of some of the most inspirational storytellers in Australia whose superpower is sparking an emotional response in audiences through their raw, authentic stories of overcoming adversity, building resilience and achieving the impossible. Their presentations are unforgettable and leave audiences inspired to create real change in all aspects of their lives.
7-time world champion Layne Beachley is widely regarded as the most successful surfer in history. The only surfer to claim 6 consecutive world titles, Layne’s story is a testimony to the power of self-belief.
A traumatic childhood, which ignited a flame of desperation to prove she was worthy of love, combined with Layne’s affinity for the ocean and competition created the perfect storm to achieve her dream of becoming the best of the best.
Layne lives a life of unapologetic honesty, sharing her experiences with humour and humility, standing firm in her values with a clear vision for the future. Her sights are firmly set on cultivating connection, growth and happiness in humanity.
Get in touch about Layne Beachley
Kate Ceberano is a bonafide National Treasure who after 35 years in the music industry is still at the top of her game having dropped her 28th album, The Dangerous Age, to widespread praise this year.
Kate shares her stories of lessons and triumphs from 35 years in a notoriously tough industry and the practices that allow her creativity to flourish. Kate is a charming and unique presenter guaranteed to WOW and inspire audiences. Check out Kate on stage at Saxton Live earlier this year.
Get in touch about Kate Ceberano
Tim Cope is a masterful and profoundly passionate storyteller and is renowned as a champion of the wisdom found in some of the world's least-known traditional cultures.
Tim spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. Along the way, he gathered and absorbed profound lessons on success and happiness through resilience, taking responsible risks, embracing cultural and individual differences, and developing relationships based on understanding and respect. Check out Tim's recent appearance on our podcast, Let's Talk.
Get in touch about Tim Cope
Nadine Champion lives to empower people to find their courage and resilience during challenging times. She is a Gold medal winner at the World Cup of martial arts, an undefeated champion kickboxer, and a cancer survivor.
Nadine is the rare type of Speaker who makes such a profound impression that your audience will be talking about her long after the event. Her life-changing concept, 10 Seconds of Courage, is a powerful call to action that challenges people to change their thinking to create their own success. Having overcome life-threatening challenges, Nadine's story of resilience is genuinely unforgettable and filled with instantly useable mindset tools.
Nadine's mission is to leave your audience feeling uplifted, focused and incredibly motivated to succeed. She is a highly sought after thought leader on courage, inner strength and resilience with a delivery style that is hilarious, educational and touching in equal measure. Check out Nadine's recent appearance in our Fireside Chat series.
Get in touch about Nadine Champion
A true story of triumph over tragedy, Curtis McGrath is a para-canoeist like no other.
On the 23rd of August 2012, young soldier Curtis McGrath's life changed forever. The decorated Sapper was two months into a tour of Taliban-rife areas of Afghanistan when he stepped on a homemade landmine, otherwise known as an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). The then 24-year-old tragically lost both his legs in the blast.
Thirty minutes after losing both his legs in a horrific blast in Afghanistan, in those traumatic moments as he was stretchered from the bomb site, Curtis was already thinking about pursuing a career as an amputee athlete. He didn't know what sport he was going to do, but his positive outlook and determination to rebound and get on with achieving his driving ambitions are what has made this man get to where he is today. Check out Curtis' recent appearance in our Fireside Chat series.
Get in touch about Curtis McGrath
Jacqui Cooper is indisputably the greatest aerial skier of all time. Having represented Australia for over 20 years, Jacqui competed in 139 World Cup Events, nine World Championships and was a key competitor in five Winter Olympic teams.
Jacqui Cooper is an exciting, passionate and diverse speaker; she will leave your audience full of energy and with the feeling that anything is possible. Through honest, authentic and energic storytelling, Jacqui connects with her audience, making her session compelling, believable and relatable. Check out Jacqui's recent appearance in our Fireside Chat series.
Get in touch about Jacqui Cooper
Nasir Sobhani, also known as ‘The Streets’ Barber,’ has earned his affectionate title spending his time taking to Melbourne’s streets offering free haircuts and shaves to the homeless and less fortunate.
Nasir was born into one of the few Iranian families living in Japan at the time before moving with his family to Canada as a child. Later in life he struggled and overcame drug addiction. Finding sobriety through his supportive family and friends, he pursued his true passion for barbering and has achieved a name for himself in the barbering community. Nasir’s compassion and dedication to humanity touch all who encounter him. His mission to help those feel great about themselves and inspire a clean start is nothing short of impressive.
Get in touch about Nasir Sobhani
Jana Pittman is one of the most recognisable faces in Australian athletics.
She is also the first woman to represent Australia in both Summer and Winter Olympics, having joined the Australian bobsleigh team after injury forced an end to her athletic career. In 2019 she also completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Western Sydney and is currently practising in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Blacktown hospital, all while being the devoted mum to four kids.
Get in touch about Jana Pittman
Gill Hicks is one of the most thought-provoking, powerful and life-affirming speakers in Australia.
She is globally known as an advocate for sustainable peace and a valuable resource in countering violent extremism. Her devotion to building peace was realised when she was permanently injured in the London terrorist bombings on July 7th, 2005. But Gill is much more than a survivor, and her presentations focus on topics such as confidence and trust within ourselves, how having both allows us to make transformative choices. Gill has moved audiences at events around the world and in 2018 she reached everyday Australians by sharing her story with Anh Do on an incredible episode of Anh's Brush with Fame.
Check out Gill's recent appearance in our Fireside Chat series.
Get in touch about Gill Hicks
Kirk Pengilly is one of the founding members of INXS, which started back in 1977, and they have sold more than 50 million records worldwide. INXS have collected countless awards and trophies for their work from all over the globe, including 3 Grammy nominations, and have been inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.
Kirk is a fascinating corporate presenter; inspiring and entertaining, and his story has valuable lessons for all.
Get in touch about Kirk Pengilly
Cathy Freeman is one of Australia's best-loved and most successful Olympic champions.
Her greatest achievement came in 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games as her image was beamed into millions of homes around the world. This was when Cathy became the first competing athlete to be invited to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony; she then went on to win the gold medal in the 400m, realising a life-long dream. Cathy's journey has been documented in the critically acclaimed ABC documentary Freeman released in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Sydney Olympic Games.
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Centenary Medal in 2001 and retired from competitive running in 2003. She now concentrates her time on making a difference to others through the Cathy Freeman Foundation.
Get in touch about Cathy Freeman
Sam Bloom suffered a devastating accident while holidaying with her family in Thailand. Her spine was shattered in two places, her lungs were ruptured, and she had bleeding in the brain.
Sam's treatment and therapy were extremely slow, and she was faced with the daunting prospect of never walking again. A chance encounter with an injured magpie chick, dubbed Penguin, was to change her attitude, her recovery and save her family. Sam's story is one of the power of the human spirit. She tells it set against a backdrop of stunning visuals as she takes you through a roller coaster of emotions on her remarkable journey. It is a unique and moving experience with no holds barred.
Get in touch about Sam Bloom
Saroo Brierley was born in a small Indian town. In 1986, aged only 5, he lost all contact with his family when he was separated from his brother at a train station. He never saw his brother again. After living alone on the streets of Calcutta for 3 weeks Saroo was placed in a local orphanage before being adopted by an Australian family. He grew up with his new parents in Hobart, Tasmania for the next 25 years but was unable, and unwilling, to forget his childhood.
Saroo embarked on a virtual odyssey spending hours on Google Earth and searching his memories until he finally recognised his home town and reunited with his birth mother. Saroo's story was memorialised in the Oscar-nominated film, Lion, and to hear his story live is an incredibly moving experience.
Get in touch about Saroo Brierley
Turia Pitt is living proof that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. Caught in a grassfire while competing in a 100km ultramarathon in 2011, Turia suffered full-thickness burns to 65% of her body. But surviving is the least of her achievements.
One of Australia’s most admired and widely recognised people, Turia has gone on to become a bestselling author, two- time Ironman and humanitarian - raising well over a million dollars for not-for-profit Interplast. Through her online presence, books and online programs, Turia has inspired millions to live with more confidence, drop their fears and smash epic goals.
Get in touch about Turia Pitt
Mark Mathews is a world-class big wave surfer, Red Bull Athlete and Surf Contest Director who is obsessed with the relationship between personal growth, high performance and fulfilment.
Mark is a highly sought after Speaker; his surfer chill vibe and magnetic charisma have charmed leading companies worldwide.
Mark's compelling story offers game-changing tips to adapt to stress, harness resilience and perform when it counts. He has deconstructed, fine-tuned, and personalised emotional resilience techniques to successfully strengthen one's mindset and sustain long term performance.
Get in touch about Mark Mathews
