Just because I can't feel the ground, doesn't mean it's not there.
Some people are defined by what happens to them. Gill Hicks is defined by what she chose to do next.
Born in Adelaide, Gill moved to London in the 1990’s, building a distinguished career in the Arts, firstly as Publishing Director of architectural magazine Blueprint, Founding Director of design practice, Dangerous Minds and then as a Head Curator with the UK Government’s Design Council. Hers was a life built on ideas, aesthetic form, and ambition.
On the morning of 7 July 2005, everything changed.
A bomb was deliberately detonated in the London Underground train carriage she was travelling in. Gill’s injuries were so severe that paramedics couldn’t gain her identify or gender. The last person to be rescued alive from the aftermath, she was given a tag that chillingly read: ‘One Unknown – estimated female’. Both her legs were severed below the knee. She was not expected to live.
In those darkest moments, she made a vow to survive and to make a difference. It is a vow she has never broken.
Today, Gill channels that experience through The M.A.D. Creative Agency, working at the intersection of lived experience, design thinking, and storytelling to build empathy and challenge division and extremism. Her podcast and unique enterprise model, M.A.D. For Life, reflects her passion and awe of the brilliance of the Human body and her quest for Being Well; exploring what it means to thrive in mind, body, and soul. She brings thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners together to respond to her Seven Pillars of Health design framework.
Her first book, One Unknown, published by Pan MacMillan, was shortlisted for the Mind Book of the Year and her story has been adapted for the stage, media and some of the world’s most significant conference platforms. She holds awards and honorary doctorates from London Metropolitan University, Kingston University, and the University of South Australia, and was recognised with an AM for significant service to peace, alongside her MBE for contributions to British public life.
Beyond her Speaking and Creative work, Gill serves as Board Director of the SALA ( South Australian Living Artists) Festival and as Board Member of the Independent Advisory Council for the NDIS ( National Disability Insurance Scheme), roles that reflect her enduring commitment to the Arts and Inclusivity.
Gill Hicks is a testimony to what it means to choose humanity over hatred, proof that one person, committed to making a difference, can truly change the world.
(Dr) Gill Hicks AM MBE Hon FRSA is the Founder of The M.A.D. Creative Agency and an Internationally acclaimed keynote speaker.
Talking Points
I am FrAGILE
Exploring the strength of an agile posture within a fragile world.I am FrAGILE
In a world where there are very few certainties, I offer the position that YOU can be the constant, the one thing that you can rely on and trust. “I AM FrAGILE,” explores the transformative power of adopting an agile mindset and mind posture within a fragile world.
The authenticity and profound insights of Lived Experience is beautifully woven throughout this presentation, offering raw and real examples of our inherent ability to continue and discover opportunities within adversity.
Themes: Strength, Mind Health, Culture, Language, Mind Posture, Agility, Wellbeing
Key Takeaways:
- Building confidence to receive and process through Change
- Understanding the transformative power of Choice
- Building greater awareness of your Mind and Thoughts.
The Infinity of Change
Developed over 20 years of living with Sudden Unwanted Change (S.U.C.) the Triple A Methodology aims to completely revolutionise your approach to change.The Infinity of Change
Moving through the framework of Accept, Adapt and Adopt, this presentation will challenge perceived ideas of resilience and introduce the radical option of Owning Change.
Bring your notebook for this one! Record your Experience CV as a factual guide to your ability as a navigator.
Themes: Mindset, Courage to be Radical, Mind Health, Flow, Acceptane, Ownership, Agility, Growth, Choice
Key Takeaways:
- Create your own ‘Experience’ CV
- Have a practical framework that can be
applied to both personal and professional life
- Build confidence in approaching Change and Sudden Unwanted Change (S.U.C.)
Creating the New: Being Human
Sharing the insights and learnings from an extraordinary Lived Experience, this keynote is a celebration of Being Alive.Creating the New: Being Human
Being connected and aware of our interdependence is the essential thread that tipped the balance between Life and Death.
Themes: Unconditional Love, Interdependence, Human Intelligence (H.I.), Human Creative Intelligence (H.C.I), Human Emotional Intelligence (H.E.I.), Humanity, Strength, Belief, Hierachy of Values, Live Experience
Key Takeaways:
- An appreciation for what we are capable and able to achieve in the bleakest of times
- The power of Human Connection
- How facing Death illuminates the true beauty of Life.
Video
Identity In The Face Of Terror | Gill Hicks | TEDxSydney
Gill Hicks' story is one of compassion and humanity, emerging from the ashes of chaos and hate. Gill shot to international prominence in the worst possible way, as a survivor of the 2005 London Underground bombings. In this talk, she shares - for the first time - some of the most profound lessons she took from that devastating event. Gill Hicks is considered to be one of the most thought provoking, powerful and life affirming speakers in Australia and the UK. She is globally known as a survivor of the London terrorist bombings on July 7th, 2005. She survived, but suffered severe and permanent injuries, losing both legs from just below the knee.Dr Gill Hicks | Key Themes | Saxton Speakers
Dr Gill Hicks is considered to be one of the most thought provoking, powerful and life affirming speakers in Australia and the UK. She is globally known as an Advocate for Sustainable Peace and a valuable resource in Countering Violent Extremism.Saxton Fireside Chat with Artist & Advocate for Peace, Dr Gill Hicks
The exchange of stories and ideas is more important now than ever. In this bi-weekly series of virtual Fireside Chats you can gain unprecedented access to the world's greatest storytellers and thought leaders. In this session, Gill shares the story of her artistic beginnings, her journey to London and how her life changed after the London terrorist attacks of 2005. Gill is widely regarded as one of the most life-affirming Speakers in the world for good reason, her takeaway from this session: this too shall pass.Fringe Spotlight Series: Episode 1 - Gill Hicks
Watch episode 1 featuring Gill Hicks as she discusses her Fringe debut and her journey to Edinburgh Fringe 2021.Dr Gill Hicks - Inspiring Advocate for Peace
Gill Hicks is considered to be one of the most thought-provoking and inspiring Speakers in the world. She is globally known as an advocate for sustainable peace and a valuable resource in countering violent extremism.Audio
This was hands down one, of the most powerful and inspiring talks I've had the privilege of listening. Gill crafted an intimate space to deliver her keynote for The Business Institute's qua ... keep reading Westpac
You could hear a pin drop, in all my years in events management I have never seen an audience so gripped by every word, Gill inspired us all, amazing...
Gill Hicks is the most fascinating guest I've ever had on my program. Gill's ability to discover moments of kindness and insight (and even humour) in her ordeal is astonishing and deeply moving. She tells her story in such a compelling manner; she generated a flood of warm responses from people who simply had to stop what they were doing, and just listen, spellbound, to her voice.
Gill’s injuries far from define her. Gill is an inspiring story of human connection, the value of community and the power inside all of us. She’s just incredible.
As we often do with events marked by tragedy, I remember exactly where I was that fateful morning. I’d landed in Heathrow just minutes after the bombings and recall the plane stuck on the tarmac for an extended time due to security fears. My life didn’t unequivocally change in that moment, but Dr Gill Hicks’s did. Gill labelled it SUCH (pronounced s-u-k) - ‘sudden unwanted change’. What makes Gill different and stand out is she owned the change. She’s a compassionate leader that demands more than tolerance from us, encouraging us to leave meaningful footprints in this world that can’t be erased. Yes, her speech was laced with humour, often self deprecating! But that’s also what made her keynote speech so special.
Gill held the audience spellbound for well over an hour. The presentation was both confronting and inspirational. It gave our members a new perspective on prioritising their lives and what is truly important as well as the sheer determination in beating the odds... truly a unique experience.
Gill is a constant reminder that our work is hugely valued and appreciated, and has become a dear friend to many. Her frequent and overwhelmingly positive comments about St Thomas', her fundraising efforts and her willingness to talk candidly about her experiences as a patient and of her recovery continue to enrich the lives of everyone who has met her since those tragic events on July 7.
Gill was the perfect speaker for the end of day - she had the audience enthralled and the evaluation feedback was 100% positive. I would have absolutely NO hesitation in recommending Gill to any event.
In her speaking engagements on behalf of Leonard Cheshire Disability she always manages to move and inspire people so their combined energy and creativity can be used positively to benefit others less able.
Real and raw. Gill is a lovely and brave woman. Inspiring and a fantastic way to end the conference. I wasn't aware of her story, and was touched and inspired by her presentation to us. Wow. Gill was amazing so humble and funny and such an amazing story of courage and resilience. The closing conference session delivered in spades. A remarkable life story and one that will stick with me for a long time. If we could measure engagement on the faces of the delegates over the 3 days, she won hands down. An absolutely brilliant choice as the closing speaker of a conference that was all about shedding fear and embracing a new world.
Dr. Gill Hicks is a wonderful speaker, engaging, vulnerable and able to connect with a wide audience. Gill is so much more than a survivor, she is an icon for adapting to change and overcoming difficulty. We can highly recommend this speaker, such an honour to have had her visit our town.
Gill was incredible to work with at all stages of the event. She made full use of her briefing session and put thought into how to ensure its relevancy to our audience. On the day, Gill arrived early and weaved elements of the topics prior to hers into the TED style talk. Gill was able to engage the audience just by using her stage theatrics and vocal tone and had the audience hanging off her every word. She was polite and is overall a beautiful human being. I would highly recommend Gill.
What can I say, it was absolutely insanely amazing; theatrical, moving and beautiful!
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