You must lead yourself first before leading others.
Kevin Humphreys is an inspiring, relatable, transformative keynote speaker, facilitator, author, and helicopter pilot. He’s well-known for smashing stereotypes and transforming self-leadership.
Dux of his pilot’s course at just 21, Kevin served in the Army for 20 years flying Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. He deployed on numerous overseas operations and, towards the peak of his career contemplated suicide and suffered a breakdown due to a cocktail of PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse and a toxic culture; it wasn’t a war zone that tore him apart. Kevin got back on his feet and in the air again, spending the next 10 years as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, Chief Pilot and Director of Operations.
Today his mission is to inspire businesses and the people within them to engage in NOBLE Self-Leadership.
He was recognised as the role model for a Military Order of William recipient in the Netherlands (their highest award for valour and only the third since WWII). An exceptional leader, Kevin’s operational approach encouraged the Dutch Air Force to change their tactical response after witnessing his operational excellence.
Kevin is the Mental Health Ambassador for AIRBUS Australia Pacific, a contributor to international media, member of the Veteran Advisory Group for the Australian War Memorial redevelopment and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and courageous leadership under fire in Afghanistan and recognised as a 2023 Community Citizen of the Year for his dedication and impact as a speaker, mental health advocate and founder of COR INFINITUS which gives dignity and respect to the families of those who’ve served their nation and were overwhelmed by their battle within.
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
- Realize 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.
- Realize 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.
Video
Kevin Humphreys DSC | Saxton Speakers
Kevin Humphreys DSC shares powerful messages about leadership, mental illness and resilience whilst inspiring men and women to engage in NOBLE Self-Leadership.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 c ... keep reading Airbus Australia Pacific
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 his story; he really understands the pressures of an operational business and our industry.
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.
I've never seen a room of 160+ construction workers so silent - you could’ve heard a pin drop.
...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.
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.
