You must lead yourself first before leading others.
Kevin Humphreys DSC is an inspiring author, coach and mental health advocate. His career began with service in the Australian Army, where he piloted Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters and earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and leadership under fire in Afghanistan.
After enduring PTSD, depression and a toxic work environment, Kevin not only returned to flying but went on to serve as a civilian Search and Rescue pilot, continuing his dedication to others in high-stakes environments. His experiences and insights are powerfully shared in his book, Shrapnel in the Soul.
Today, as the Mental Health Ambassador for AIRBUS Australia Pacific and an internationally recognised keynote speaker, Kevin’s work empowers individuals to embrace fear, compassion, and self-leadership across professional and personal realms. His message resonates at all levels, helping people cultivate resilience, lead with purpose, and foster genuine connections in both life and leadership.
Talking Points
NOBLE Self-Leadership
Experience the highs and lows of Kevin’s life as though you were there with him, then share the lessons of his journey. Kevin relays his experience of moving from fear to fearless and how his courageous journey to freedom is one we can take together. It’s recognising yourself as a worthy and noble goal, then taking actions to achieve it, despite the presence of fear.NOBLE Self-Leadership
Kevin discusses how it wasn’t the warzone that tore him apart – it was the workplace. Research shows how a toxic workplace is just as debilitating as exposure to trauma, whilst being in a positive workplace is like receiving a mental health inoculation. Which will you contribute to and how will you know?
Walk away transformed, with tips and tools for immediate implementation. You’ll be ready to take action in your own life and to inspire the lives of others!
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect for all leaders in high-risk, high-reliability industries
- Realise the true impact of perceived failure and shame from past experiences.
- Learn the impact of poor workplace culture and the benefits of good culture.
- Learn how to engage in self-compassion that’s easier than playing with Lego.
- Confirm your greatest and Noble cause (spoiler alert – it’s you).
Discipline - it's P.U.R.E. desire
Discipline. There’s plenty of it in the Army where Kevin spent two decades, but what he talks about here is the self-disciple required to succeed in navigating the highs and lows of life. Drawing upon his own professional and personal hard-fought experiences, Kevin explores the topic of discipline in plain language.Discipline - it's P.U.R.E. desire
Understand why it may not be your fault but it will always be your responsibility. Whether you’re an apprentice, pensioner or prizefighter this presentation applies equally to all. Kevin not only motivates listeners for action, he also provides a practical framework to apply immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Perfect for junior leaders in high-risk, high-reliability industries
- Understand the structure of the brain and why sometimes it seems to trick you.
- Practical framework to apply immediately and get you moving.
- Realise the power of visualization to turbocharge your performance.
- Discipline is delayed gratification your future self will thank you for.
Keeping Wings Level and Getting Stuff Done
In flying, if there’s a mishap of some kind, you’re trained to immediately regain wings level flight. ‘Wings Level’ represents the foundation of normal, controlled flight.Keeping Wings Level and Getting Stuff Done
Fly with Kevin as he gives you a brief glimpse into his world when his wings weren’t level and learn what to implement personally and organizationally to build resilience – so you can keep wings level and get stuff done!
Explore the power of perspective and the debilitating effects of fatigue and burnout along with what to do about them. He delves into the illusion of what we think we can control in our lives and how much better our lives become when we seek to control only four things – get this right and your whole life will transform overnight.
As always, you’ll not only walk away with tips and tools for immediate implementation but the desire to make it happen for you and for others.
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect for everyone from the most senior executive to the junior trainee in high-risk, high-reliability industries.
- Tools to help you identify when your wings aren’t level.
- Practical tips to regain and maintain wings level.
- Learn the only four things you can control and why when you master them, you’ll have a better life than ever before.
- Take a step back to see the bigger picture and realize we rarely see things for what they truly are.
Above the Noise: Navigating Crisis with Powerful Communication
Get ready for gasps and laughs. In this impactful and thought-provoking session, Kevin takes you to the intersection of leadership and communication with high-pressure situations and everyday family events. With decades of flying and operational leadership experience, Kevin's stories bring to life the importance of clear and timely communication in environments where mistakes can be costly. Above the Noise: Navigating Crisis with Powerful Communication
From surviving a mid-air collision with a boat to narrowly avoiding a tragic accident with his father and connecting with neurodivergent people, Kevin's experiences offer invaluable insights into how effective communication can build trust, avert disaster and drive success.
This isn't just another leadership talk—it's a powerful call to action for those who want to sharpen their communication skills, embrace constructive opposition, prevent destructive conflict and thrive under pressure. From high-stakes missions to heart-wrenching and heart warming family moments, Kevin delivers serious lessons with humour, humility and candour.
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect for all levels in high-risk, high-reliability industries.
- Tools to open conversations directly and indirectly.
- The importance of building standardised communication methods when it’s important but not urgent.
- How culture and teamwork trump standardised communication methods.
Video
Kevin Humphreys DSC | Saxton Speakers
Kevin really made an impact – it was real! We couldn’t have found anyone better to get the message of suicide awareness and mental health across. I would recommend Kev Humphreys to share hi ... keep reading APA Energy
Everyone who attended have given nothing but positive feedback and many had their own take home gems making it a fantastic success. Thanks again and we look forward to partnering with you again in the future.
Northern Rescue Helicopter engaged Kevin to share his Noble Self Leadership presentation with our staff. Mental Health and Staff Welfare are both big, important topics for our organisation, and an area we are willing to invest to keep our people healthy. Kev certainly lived up to this reputation and his time with us was a great investment on our part.
We invited Kevin to help prepare our staff for increased workloads, greater customer expectations, home stressors and ensuring they are best positioned for success in their personal and professional lives. Kevin had the entire audience on the edge of their seats. To a person, everyone took something away they can do to benefit themselves and their families. Kevin struck a chord on so many levels, regardless of each person's demographic or social standing. His engagement and delivery was perfect.
Highly recommended! Listening to his story, what struck me most was the personal courage he demonstrated time and again. Kevin’s messages are positive and he is living proof that despite PTSD, you can get back to the top of your game.
...Kevin shared with us the highs and lows of his amazing career and life and left us all in awe. He helped us all find courage and compassion for ourselves and each other.
I've never seen a room of 160+ construction workers so silent – you could’ve heard a pin drop.
Kevin, thank you. You smashed the stereotype of an individual with a mental illness. Having the courage to speak so openly as our keynote speaker and sharing your first-hand experience was compelling, candid and provocative. Everyone left not just informed, but transformed.
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