Matt Purcell is Australia's leading expert in personal branding & is on a mission to help you stand.
Being adopted from South Korea as a baby, Matt Purcell’s story is one of identity, resilience, and purpose. Growing up in a housing commission area in Newcastle, he faced bullying for his race and constant questions about where he truly belonged. Those experiences became the fuel for his life’s work for helping others discover who they are, what they stand for, and how to express it with confidence.
Today, as one of Australia’s leading voices in personal branding and communication, Matt has turned his own search for identity into a mission: to empower others to own their story, use their voice, and live with clarity and conviction.
Known as "The Personal Branding Sensei," Matt works with some of Australia's biggest brands and high-profile individuals, helping them dominate their fields online and in the media.
He is the founder of the award-winning creative agency KYU Media, which has worked with brands like American Express, MJ Bale to advising media strategies to the Government, while also growing personal brands such as Layne Beachley, Erin Deering, and many others.
2x Sydney Young Entrepreneur Award winner, Matt is also the co-founder of The Business Academy with Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice which educates small business owners in Australia on how to grow their businesses.
In addition, Matt founded Social Kung Fu, Australia's only Verbal Self-Defense and Confidence Training Program. Its mission is to equip 1 million Australian kids with the tools to combat bullying, dehumanization, and to build a generation of self-aware, confident young people. This is evidenced based through the University of Sydney.
Matt previously hosted The Examined Life Podcast, which regularly topped the Australian iTunes charts. He is a trusted voice on national television, speaking on business and youth issues, and has appeared in campaigns for brands like Ford Motors, Xero Australia, and LG Australia.
Matt is a world-class speaker and has shared the stage on TEDx and has spoken for Tiktok, Westpac, SXSW Sydney, Loreal, Headspace Australia and many others.
Widely praised as a "celebrity whisperer," Matt is the go-to expert for building personal brands and creating impactful businesses.
Talking Points
The Blueprint to Building a Successful Personal Brand
-Tailored strategies for companies and individuals to stand out in their industries.The Blueprint to Building a Successful Personal Brand
- How to create a brand that connects, converts, and commands authority.
Media Training Mastery
- Speak with clarity and confidence in any setting.Media Training Mastery
- Proven techniques to win in interviews, presentations, and public appearances.
Social Kung Fu: Science-Backed Verbal Self-Defense
- Equip yourself with verbal tools to handle bullying, dehumanization, and conflict.Social Kung Fu: Science-Backed Verbal Self-Defense
- Empowering the next generation with confidence and self-awareness.
The Future of Social Media
- How to expand, scale, and grow your presence on social media in 2025.The Future of Social Media
- Trends, tools, and tactics to stay ahead in a competitive digital world.
Business Academy: The Playbook for Scaling Success
- Proven frameworks for scaling your business effectively.Business Academy: The Playbook for Scaling Success
- Strategies to grow revenue, build your team, and dominate your market.
Video
What is personal branding? | Matt Purcell
Matt Purcell is Australia's leading personal branding expert and shares in under 4 minutes what personal branding is, why it is important and where to start.How to build your own business with Janine Allis & Matt Purcell
Janine Allis and Matt Purcell chat to TMS about the launch of their new venture - 'The Business Academy'.Standing Against Bullying: Start With 3 Simple Questions | Matt Purcell | TEDxYouth@MoriahCollege
In his Tedx Youth Talk, Matt outlines his personal story of resilience and grit, emphasising the power of speaking out against bullying through his own personal experience. As an advocate for change he actively seeks to empower anyone who has ever felt dehumanised at the hand (or words) of others and outlines the key simple questions that can spark change in our behaviour. Matt Purcell is the founder and CEO of Australia’s only Verbal Self Defence and Confidence Training Program, Social Kung Fu which has just made its curriculum available to all Australian schools, with a mission to positively impact the lives of 1-million Aussie kids. Having experienced being bullied throughout school and being adopted, he has dedicated his life to helping thousands of young people become more confident and equipped against verbal abuse.Working with Matt has been a game-changer for my perspective on how to educate our salon community on Personal Branding. A lot of salons we educate at L'Oreal feel invisible online, like the ... keep reading L'Oreal
I've seen a lot of speakers and facilitators over the years, but Matt Purcell genuinely stood out. At our recent Fitstop Conference, Matt ran a 4-hour personal brand workshop for our business owners and it was one of the most impactful sessions we've ever had. He has a rare ability to connect deeply with people, challenge them to think differently, and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to show up more authentically both in life and in business. The balance Matt strikes between storytelling, strategy, and self-awareness is next level. You walk away not just in inspired, but with real tools to communicate your story and grow your influence with purpose and confidence. Could not recommend Matt highly enough if you're looking to elevate the way your people show up, he's your guy.
We engaged Matt for our TikTok Elevate program bringing 350 leaders across South East Asia on a journey of reflection, leadership empowerment, and personal development. We are so grateful to have had Matt join us and lead a webinar/workshop around personal branding. Not only was Matt such a credible and engaging speaker, he was critical in shaping the content from inception to execution. The commitment you showed us was invaluable and we are so tremendously grateful for your leadership and support throughout. Thank you Matt!
We scouted Matt to be a keynote speaker. Matt in an absolute inspiration. To hear how far Matt has come to get to where he is now was truly profound. Matt has empowered so many young people and created opportunities for many disadvantaged youths and anyone who hears about his work in the Green Room would know this. If you are looking for a keynote speaker Matt is your guy, he really holds an audience when he speaks and is very knowledgeable when it comes to branding and promotion.
I had the pleasure of working with Matt as part of Westpac Group's Youth Week. We asked Matt to present to the Westpac Youth Network (u35) on the importance of verbal communication and critical thinking in conflict resolution and personal development, and explore practical tools to manage conflicts or tough conversations whilst being the embodiment of confidence and respect. Matt was a pleasure to work with and we received only glistening feedback from our community.
To be the best you have to work with the best. Matt is a champion story teller. Expert in digital media, Matt and his team have taken my digital presence to a whole new level. Matt is a passionate, positive, purpose driven leader, focussed on driving value and growth for every client. If you are looking to broaden your reach and expand your impact, Matt is the perfect speaker to work with.
I must say that Matt's passion for mentoring and inspiring young people is truly impressive. Matt has a unique ability to connect with youth and encourage them to open up and explore deeper topics such as the meaning of life and vulnerability. During his sessions, he has facilitated discussions that have allowed the students to express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. His ability to form meaningful connections not only with the students but also with the staff has been remarkable. Over the past three years, the boys who have attended his sessions have transformed into confident young people. I believe this is due to Matt's ongoing efforts and engagement in connecting with them.
