Dream big, achieve more.
Cam Calkoen dreams of a world where everyone is inspired to embrace their opportunity and our physical being is no barrier to succeeding in our dreams and aspirations. It is dreams that have brought the world to what we see today and our aspirations that will propel it into the future.
No one can walk and talk at birth. Some people like Cam, are presented with this likelihood for the rest of their lives. He chose to defy the odds, and now showcases what can be achieved when we identify a challenge, leverage our opportunities and uniqueness, and indeed live for awesome!
Born with Cerebral Palsy Cam was told that his biggest challenges would be the way he walks and talks, he dreamed big becoming an athletic gold medalist, highly effective charitable fundraiser, social entrepreneur and now a globally renowned inspirational speaker who ignites a connection and clarity between inspiration, dreams and people.
Through strength of human attitude and potential Cam chose to embrace the challenges he was born with, and harnesses his gifts to live in the pursuit of excellence and make life as awesome as it can be.
He is a living example that life is what we make it, and the values needed to achieve awesomeness are simple - we need to believe! In doing so, we leave no stone unturned. Through charisma, stories and artistic flair Cams presence sees people identify the unturned stones on the path, he ignites, inspires, enlightens and delights others by modeling what it looks like to dream big and achieve more!
Talking Points
Dream Big Achieve More (Goal setting - Confidence - Resilience)
Often when we start a dream we think that our most desired outcome is the ultimate outcome and while that’s certainly something to celebrate it often leads us to so much more. At the time I set the goal of representing my country in sport it seemed so distant and that when accomplished it would be the ultimate accomplishment, but through doing so I gained strength, confidence, the ability to travel, friendships, networks, sponsors... which all morphed into creating a new dream, a bigger dream, something I could have never imagined if it hadn't been for the athletics dream. It is often through the process of attempting the seemingly impossible that the most extraordinary outcomes are achieved!
Dream Big Achieve More (Goal setting - Confidence - Resilience)
Bend Perception and eliminate assumption (Diversity and Inclusion)
There is a well-known Maori Proverb which translated is says, “What is the most important thing in the World? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people!”Bend Perception and eliminate assumption (Diversity and Inclusion)
In having Cerebral Palsy Cam could have been a victim of exclusion on all levels but chose to look for what is common where most people look for what is different. Cam shows that difference is an important and wonderful thing once we connect on similarities, we can appreciate the value in difference, and use that value to improve our businesses and personal lives.
Live For Awesome (Excellence - Attitude - Giving back)
To exceed expectations we need to be stepping outside of our comfort zone and striving towards a personal best each and every day. Live For Awesome (Excellence - Attitude - Giving back)
By standing on the shoulders of giants - the people that we look up to - we can see something that we can (and should) all strive to become!
When you become a giant yourself, you get the opportunity to reflect on your own journey. Often, journeys are so future focused but it’s through reflection that we gain great strengths and our success in life.
Cam’s story shows that it is not about what we achieve individually, but from how we can learn from others so that we can continue to inspire and maintain excellence.
Video
Live for Awesome Cam Calkoen TEDxQueenstown
Celebrity Speakers exclusive Cam Calkoen offers his incredible insights into overcoming the challenges we face in life, whatever they may be. Born with cerebral palsy, Cam might have found it easy to focus on all the 'can’t do’s' in life. Instead, he decided to 'dream big', representing his country as a professional athlete. At TEDxQueenstown, he inspired audiences to be greater than great, and to live for awesome.Cam Calkoen interview on Good Morning
Cam Calkoen was born with Cerebral Palsy, and was told from a young age that there were many things he wouldn't be able to do. This morning he joined us this morning as part of our Inspirational Series.Cam was incredible - he not only has a powerful story to share but his passion, energy and humour are infectious. Our team was captured by Cam and he made many fans through his electrifying ... keep reading ChildFund New Zealand
I had heard how motivating Cam Calkoen’s presentation at the Leadership Summit for Ministry of Social Development was and was looking forward to hearing him at the Managers Workshops in Auckland and Wellington. My expectations were far exceeded. The aftermath of Cam’s presentations was so positive, staff were lining up to meet him and obtain contact details for future speaking engagements.
Cam is a role model New Zealander who proves that any obstacle can be overcome if you are willing to dream big and back yourself with hard work and determination. Cam’s life story is awe inspiring. He is a powerful communicator who connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Cam is a regular presenter at Vodafone events and I am proud to recommend him as a speaker of the highest quality.
Cam presented to over 400 of our residential salespeople at the Bayleys National Sales Conference. Cam is a truly inspirational speaker who engages his audience with his positivity, amazing smile and AWESOME personality. He is a great role model and ambassador for New Zealand, and certainly proof that any obstacle can be overcome if you dream big, are willing to work hard and have a determination to succeed. We have all been touched by Cam’s story… dream it, believe it, achieve it.
Cam Calkoen set us off with an ‘awesome’ speech for our conference. He hit the perfect notes, shared his most amazing story and had plenty of funny moments mixed in it. Having a peep at the audience, there was some puckered faces during the speech. Cam speech was unique as not only did it give an inspiring message and a lesson for us all, it pulled on your heartstrings given his journey. His delivered his speech with great tone, pace and humour. I had high expectations from Cam prior to hearing his speech, my expectations were surpassed with a truly inspirational story. I would recommend Cam for a keynote to anyone regardless of the industry, or background of the audience.
