Mark S A Smith - How to be nimble to navigate the chaos of today’s world
Mark S A Smith is the co-founder of NimbilityWorks, and the author of ‘The Nimble C-Suite’, and ‘The Nimble Company’, as well as multiple other books. Mark works intensively with company leaders to transform their business from a market challenger into the market leader in 3 years or less.
After a successful career in helping to bring to market billions of dollars of disruptive technology, Mark S A Smith now works with Visionmakers to turn market challengers into market leaders. He works with C-Suite leaders determined to transform their business from a market challenger into the market leader in 3 years or less.
This is exemplified in his two new books, The Nimble C-Suite: How to Align the Diverse Strengths of Your Executive Team to Predictably Deliver Extraordinary Results in a Transformational Economy, and The Nimble Company: A Proactive, Socially Responsible Framework for Driving Sustained Profits and Growth in a Chronically Chaotic World.
Co-founder of NimbilityWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace Nimbility, he brings his broad leadership perspective, extensive business models, professional speaking capacity, and tightly-honed coaching skills to leaders who desire to lead transformational businesses and teams that make a difference.
Socials:
Website: https://nimbilityworks.com/
Web link to LinkedIn: marksonlinkedin.com
LinkedIn: Mark S A Smith
Books: ‘The Nimble C-Suite’ and ‘The Nimble Company’
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Tracie Lund - Standing for a stronger community
Tracie Lund is the manager of Morwell Neighbourhood House, and is now standing as an independent candidate for the Seat of Morwell. She was thrust into the leadership limelight at the time of the Hazelwood mine fires, as she spoke out about the injustices and challenged authorities about the health hazards.
Tracie Lund is the Manager of the Morwell Neighbourhood House and has worked tirelessly in the community since starting there in 2012. She has introduced and championed much-needed initiatives, resulting in the Morwell Neighbourhood House becoming a renowned hub where vital support is available for everyone, no matter their circumstances.
Tracie is currently running for the seat of Morwell, after running as an independent candidate in the 2014 State Election, securing 11% of the vote and transforming the once safe seat of Morwell into one of the most marginal electorates in Victoria.
Tracie has earned a reputation as a highly-respected community leader in the Latrobe Valley and is a sitting Councillor of Latrobe City Council after being elected in 2020.
In 2014 when the Hazelwood Mine Fire broke out just 400 metres from the heart of Morwell, Tracie was compelled to act as an advocate for the residents of Morwell and found herself thrust into the communications vacuum. She was a conduit between services and community, providing affected residents with up-to-date information and support that was lacking.
She is passionate about grassroots democracy and strongly believes that investment in and support of the community improves health and wellbeing, resilience, and employment opportunities. Her experience in supporting the local community every day on the ground has given her insight into what is required as the community navigates the future.
Socials:
Website: tracielund.com.au
LinkedIn: Tracie Lund
FB: Tracie Lund
Insta: Tracie Lund @tracielund4morwell
Mentions:
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George Siegal - Hoping and deciding in the face of Hurricane Ian
George Siegal is a film maker and podcast host. His most recent film ‘Last House Standing’ uncovers the potentially catastrophic impact of building houses that won’t stand up in hurricane affected areas, and in this episode we chat about the devastation of Hurricane Ian.
George Siegal began his career in front of the camera as a newscaster, sportscaster, and weathercaster. His work took him from San Antonio Texas, to Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to work in front of the camera, George was a feature reporter and producer.
In 2001 he formed J.E.L. Productions, a video production company that produces commercials, infomercials, television programs and documentary films. The company also created their own original programming, which included a Texas Travel Program and a building and remodelling show.
George is most proud of his latest venture, forming the documentary film company Move the World Films, Inc. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary films ‘The Last House Standing’ which explores the fact that most people think catastrophic destruction will never happen to them, and ‘License to Parent’, which looks at how parenting is the most important job in the world, and how anybody can do it regardless of how qualified they are.
Socials:
Website: thelasthousestanding.org
Website: tellushowhowtomakeitbetter.com
FB: Tell Us How To Make It Better
Insta: Tell Us How To make It Better @tellushowtomakeitbetter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/movetwfilms
Podcast: Tell Us How To make It Better
LinkedIn: George Siegal
Mentions:
Brock Long (podcast interview)
John Scardena and Aris Papadopoulos (podcast interview)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
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Daniel Fitzgerald - Wheelin to the mountains
To honour his own journey with depression, as well as honouring the memory of a mate lost to suicide, Daniel Fitzgerald over 3,000 kilometres across Australia to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute.
Daniel Fitzgerald cycled 3169 kilometres from Esperance, Western Australia to Omeo, Victoria to raise funds and suicide awareness for the Black Dog Institute.
He completed the ride in 22 days, which included 4 rest days.
In 2019 Daniel attended the funeral of ‘Whelan’ who lost his battle with depression, where the impact and ripple effect of suicide really hit hard.
A car accident back in 2004 claimed the life of another mate ‘Tim’, and Daniel didn’t deal with the emotions at the time. The emotions eventually resurfaced as depression, and after a period of hospitalisation, Daniel reached out for help. Eventually the therapy of EMDR changed Daniel’s life.
To show the positive change in his life, and in memory of Whelan, Daniel started making plans for his ride.
Daniel hopes the ride will also inspire people who have challenging situations going on in their lives to reach out and seek help.
Socials:
FB: Wheelin to the mountains @wheelintothemountains
Mentions:
Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Donate: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/Wheelintothemountains
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Heather Baird - Creating a better life for foster kids
Heather Baird entered the foster care system at two and a half years of age and for many years was plagues with self-worth and self-esteem issues. Understanding how this feels for others in the system, and driven by the need to provide supplies that were not readily available to these kids, Heather founded the charity A Better Life For Foster Kids.
Heather Baird is the founder of A Better Life For Foster Kids. She is passionate about raising awareness about the experiences of children in the out of home care system and how it takes all of us working collectively together to make sure children and young people in out of home care get better life outcomes.
Her inspirational drive to create change for children in out of home care and for carers is informed by her own experiences growing up in orphanages and foster homes from the age of 2 and a half, as well as her time on placement with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (then DHHS) in child protection, while she undertook a Diploma of Social Services.
Heather has been featured in numerous radio programs, podcasts, and news articles, and frequently gives talks on the issues faced by children in out of home care to groups around Victoria. People are often surprised by what they learn about the out of home care system when they hear Heather speak for the first time.
Socials:
Website: http://abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au/
LinkedIn: Heather Baird
FB: A Better Life For Foster Kids Inc @abetterlifeforfosterkids
Insta: Heather Baird @a_better_life_for_foster_kids_
Mentions:
Westfield Local Hero
Gippsland Community Leadership Program
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Kerryn Vaughan - The fine line between showing up and self care
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about the fine line between showing up and self care. I think there’s too much noise about hustle and grind, and it’s way too easy to drive ourselves into the ground and not take care of ourselves.
Kerryn Vaughan is an author, speaker, facilitator and the creator and host of Get Off The Bench.
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about the fine line between showing up and self care.
I think there’s too much noise about hustle and grind, and it’s way too easy to drive ourselves into the ground and not take care of ourselves.
I do believe it’s important to show up, especially if that means changing people’s lives and making a difference. But we need to fine the balance so we can keep our own cup full first.
What do we hang on to and what do we give up. Today I share a few of my own thoughts which are true to me.
Socials:
Website: https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/
LinkedIn: Kerryn Vaughan
Julie Philip - Barbering to inspire self-worth
Julie Philip loves to follow her passions and loves to bring joy. A few years ago, Julie decided to pursue her dream of becoming a barber, and is now volunteering at a neighbourhood house one day per month bringing joy and self-worth.
Julie Philip believes in following your dream, and she doesn’t do it half-heartedly.
Following her passion for Africa, Julie decided to learn African drumming and after just one lesson found herself in a band. Not long after, she realised the deep connection she felt with art, so pursued that. Very soon she was holding exhibitions and selling her pieces.
Alongside the passions Julie follows, is her full time job as a public servant. In 2019, while having a review with her manager, and being asked what she really wanted to do, Julie said “I’ve always wanted to be a barber”. Fully supported by her manager, Julie began the year long journey to becoming a qualified barber.
But what has really impacted Julie, is how the simple act of cutting hair has led to an increase in confidence and self-worth for the people she lovingly styles.
Julie volunteers 1 day per month at the Morwell Neighbourhood House, and truly knows how she is changing lives. Not only do the recipients appreciate her work and care, Julie goes home feeling incredibly blessed to be in a position to share so much joy.
Her next venture? To build a Barber Army.
Socials:
LinkedIn: Julie Philip
Mentions:
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Tammy van Wisse - Swimming one and a half times around the planet
Tammy van Wisse is a World Record breaking endurance swimmer who has conquered some of the coldest, deepest and longest waterways in the world. Her swim distances add up to over an astonishing 65,000km, which is one and a half times around the planet.
Most people fly, some board a ship, but Tammy van Wisse has done it the hard way by swimming 1.5 times round the world. At 32, Tammy has swum 60,000 kilometres – a testament to her amazing stamina and strength.
Tammy is a master at conquering extreme challenges, including swimming some of the coldest, deepest and longest waterways on the planet including Loch Ness, Bass Strait, the English Channel and the Murray River, amassing an astonishing 65,000kms, which is equivalent to one and half times around the globe!
Victorian born Tammy started her formal swimming training at age 11. She progressed through her teens winning Victorian State Swimming and Victorian Royal Life Saving Titles.
Lifesaving became an integral part of Tammy’s career, and she entered events such as the Lorne Pier to Pub swim, which she won in 1986, 1987 and 1989.
Her first marathon swim was in 1986 from Beaumaris to Frankston, a distance of 20 kilometres.
A decade later, Tammy entered the Guinness Book of Records as the first person to swim Bass Strait.
Tammy went on to establish other record times and wins for swimming Loch Ness, New Zealand’s Cook Strait, the English Channel, the Olympic Games Centenary Marathon swim in Greece and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in New York.
In 2001, Tammy completed her greatest challenge to date by swimming the entire length of the Murray River from the Alps to the ocean – a feat no one else has achieved, taking 106 days and covering a distance of 2438 kilometres.
As a human water quality tester, Tammy has long been a campaigner for cleaner waterways. Through her amazing swims, Tammy raises awareness about environmental issues confronting Australia’s river systems, such as poor environmental flows, salinity and toxic algal bloom.
Career Highlights
Swum more than 65,000kms, equivalent to one-and-half times around the planet
Fastest woman to swim the Cook Strait, New Zealand
First and only person in world to swim Bass Strait (97.4km) – Tasmania to Victoria, Australia.
Fastest person to swim Loch Ness, Scotland
Fastest person to swim 2438km length of the Murray River, Australia.
Champion for change highlighting the Murray River’s environmental plight from her own perspective as a “human water quality tester”.
Broke world record for New York to New Jersey, USA as tribute to Gertrude Ederle, first woman across the English Channel and her contribution to Women in Sport.
Has a day named after her in New Jersey, USA.
Winner of round Manhattan Island Marathon Race, USA (48kms)
Two solo swims of the English Channel with honour of fastest person across in 1993 and first brother & sister to cross together in 1994.
Lifesaver of the Year & winner of more than 150 Victorian State Lifesaving Titles.
Australian Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”
Ambassador for National Drowning Prevention Day & Play it Safe by the Water
Ambassador for The Male Hug – raising awareness of Men’s Mental Health
Socials:
LinkedIn: Tammy van Wisse
Insta: Tammy van Wisse @tammyvanwisse
Mentions:
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Ben Price - Flying high for a childhood dream
Ben Price is one of the seven crew who make up the Royal Australian Air Force aerobatics team, the Roulettes. His childhood dream of becoming a pilot happened several years after leaving school, and bored with his then job, Ben decided to chase that dream.
Flight Lieutenant Ben Price, 34, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. From a young age, Ben had dreamed of being a pilot. However in the years following Year 12, he started and completed an apprenticeship as an electrician. After seven years in the electrical industry, Ben decided to chase his long-term dream of becoming a pilot in the Air Force. With no aviation experience, Ben was accepted into the Air Force and began his new career as a Pilot in 2015.
Ben graduated on 246 Pilots Course in 2017 on the Pilatus PC-9/A and was posted to No. 33 Squadron to fly the KC-30A out of RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. During his time on the tanker aircraft, Ben was involved in two Middle East region deployments, VIP tasking and various operations and exercises both domestically and internationally.
This is Ben’s first season with the Roulettes and first posting to Central Flying School. Away from work Ben enjoys time with his fiancé, young son, family and friends. Ben enjoys everything AFL, the beach, the snow and a good laugh with friends.
Air Force Roulettes
The Roulettes are the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team. They were established in 1970 following the success of earlier teams, the Red Sales and Telstars.
The Roulettes had their first public display at RAAF Base Point Cook in 1970. The team flew a Macchi MB-326 aircraft, which was replaced by the Pilatus PC-9/A (the Air Force's new pilot training aircraft) in 1989. Since then, the Roulettes have become a six aircraft, seven member team which completes two display seasons each year (a season runs for six months).
The Pilatus PC-9/A retired from Roulettes operations in March 2019 and was replaced by Pilatus PC-21 – one of the most advanced training aircraft in the world.
Roulette displays are flown all around Australia and consist of a number of manoeuvres flown in various formations at low level. They are an extension of formation, aerobatics, low level flying, and airmanship skills, taught to Air Force pilots and developed throughout their career.
The Roulettes fly as low as 250 feet (80 m) at speeds of up to 370 knots to 685km/h and pilots can experience up to 6 ‘G', or 6 times, the force of gravity during a display. Flying as close as three metres apart, the team showcases the level of visual judgement and hand-eye coordination that pilots in the Air Force are able to achieve.
Roulette pilots are Qualified Flying Instructors who work at the Central Flying School, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. Between displays, they teach other Air Force pilots to become instructors.
Socials:
About Ben Price: https://www.airforce.gov.au/displays/roulette-seven
Roulettes: https://www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes
FB: Airforce Roulettes https://www.facebook.com/AirForceRoulettes
Insta: Airforce Roulettes @airforceroulettes https://www.instagram.com/airforceroulettes/
Mentions:
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au
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Lisa Schermerhorn - Exposing the lie in every belief
Lisa Schermerhorn has a mission to inspire the world to understand that what we think is true, just may not be. She is a best selling author, and her latest book ‘In Every Belief There Is A Lie’ shares the truth about our beliefs.
What would you do if you discovered that most of what you believe about yourself is a lie? What if we could identify and release your lies and uncover your undisputed truth?
Most of us have lived lives programmed by parents, teachers, friends, socioeconomic status, news, culture, religion, and even genetics. In this book, you will discover the different ways you have been lied to, lied to yourself, and lied to others unconsciously. Living a lie often causes fear, regret, stress, unhappiness, and an inability to reach your full potential.
International Best Selling author, Lisa Schermerhorn, has twenty years of experience as a transformational leader and is an expert in human behavior, personal development, and the subconscious mind.
In her latest book, ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, you’ll learn how to understand your Lies, where they come from, and techniques to help you discover your Truth.
Examples of the Lies we believe:
That you are not smart
That money is the root of all evil
That when you forgive, your actions are absolved
The Lie that you can solve your problems using the same thinking you had when you created them
And more…
Within the pages of ‘In Every Belief There is a Lie’, read stories of self-discovery and learn strategies for living your truth today.
Socials:
Website: https://lisaschermerhorncoaching.com/
Website: https://peakperformancemindsetcoaching.com/
LinkedIn: Lisa Schermerhorn
FB: Lisa Schermerhorn Coaching
Insta: LisaSchermerhorn @lisafriedmanschermerhorn
Book: In Every Belief There Is A Lie
Mentions:
The Four Agreements (Book)
The Fifth Agreement (Book)
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Olivia White - Influencing authentic social media
Liv White is a digital content creator, entrepreneur, mother and speaker who focuses her content around the theme of ‘be unapologetically you’. Liv is the creator of House of White, and shares her authenticity through her blogs and her extraordinary Instagram community.
Liv White is a digital content creator, entrepreneur, mother and speaker. Almost a decade ago, Liv set out to sharing her journey to the world in the hopes to inspire others to live confidently and courageously.
Her inquisitive, honest and daring nature has led her to experience and achieve incredible things, from being naked on the cover of a magazine to speaking at Business Chicks, appearing in many media forums, through to interacting with inspiring leaders and brands globally.
Amongst all of her achievements, Olivia remains authentic to sharing the real, the raw and the sometimes unglamorous. By sharing her knowledge, beliefs and experiences, Olivia is able to encourage, inspire and motivate others to create more freedom, opportunity and acceptance into their lives.
Socials:
Website: https://houseofwhite.com.au/
Insta: Olivia White @houseofwhite_
LinkedIn: Olivia White
Youtube: Olivia White
Mentions:
Qantas https://www.qantas.com/au/en.html
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Herb ‘Flight Time’ Lang - From globetrotting to inspiring kindness
Herb Lang started life in a small town in Arkansas, but after the Harlem Globetrotters invited him to their basketball camp, Herb then joined and spent the next 18 years touring the globe, inspiring hope and happiness into the hearts of many.
Herbert Lang came from humble beginnings in Brinkley, Arkansas graduating from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1998. While there, he led the Trans-America Athletic Conference in scoring and won the National Association of Basketball Coaches Slam Dunk Contest. The Globetrotters invited him to their training camp in 1999, and he spent 18 years as a player and coach with the team.
He traveled to nearly 100 countries and interacted with various influential dignitaries during that time. He also participated in numerous TV shows and contests, including three seasons of The Amazing Race and Are you Smarter Than A 5th Grader? He wrote about his unique journey in a recently-published memoir, Projects, Popes and Presidents.
Lang, a lifelong Razorback fan who still cheers on U of A sports teams, now lives in Ruskin, Florida with his wife Elena. Herb is also a TEDx SPEAKER. He speaks about concepts from his books (Projects, Popes, and Presidents) as an on-air correspondent and inspirational speaker.
He also facilitates sports clinics for young people. Herb just finished filming “Sweetwater.” Herb plays the role of “Babe” Pressley former Harlem Globetrotter!
He’s currently working with a Hollywood production company to develop one of his many television show concepts, as well as improving his skills as an Actor, Producer, and being a good human.
The father of three (Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya) said he was taught to treat people with kindness, and that principle still guides his life today. His mantra is summed up in the hashtag #kindnessisfree, which Herb often uses online and in correspondence.
“I am just a small-town Arkansas kid who has been blessed to have so many amazing life-changing opportunities,” he said. “I truly believe that it’s important to treat others even better than you expect to be treated by people. Every major accomplishment in my life has been the direct result of others speaking up for me, trusting, and believing I would not fail them in doing so.”
Lang finds beauty in life’s struggles. He believes that success is not determined by how much money a person makes but by how many lives they touch along the way.
Socials:
Website: http://www.herblang.com/
LinkedIn: Herbert “Flight Time” Lang
Insta: Herbert “Flight Time” Land @datrotter4
FB: Herbert S Lang
Twitter: @datrotter4
Tik Toc: @datrotter4
Projects, Popes and Presidents (Book) http://www.herblang.com/projects-popes-presidents/
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Jessie Ballantyne - Uncovering grants and all good things
Jessie Ballantyne is the founder of ‘The Grants Hub’ and social enterprise ‘Hey Good Thing’. Jess started her entrepreneurial career at 14, babysitting and selling chocolate covered snakes from her school locker.
Jessie Ballantyne is passionate about entrepreneurship, business and giving. Her motto for life is ‘Be Real, Take Risks, Dream Big, Give Generously’.
Jessie’s entrepreneurial spark first came to life when she fell in love with France in Year 9. She had an inspirational French teacher who inspired her to become an exchange student and pursue her love of French. But her parents didn’t have the $8,000+ needed for the exchange back in 1997, so her launch into business began.
At 14, Jessie would come home from school every day to bake and sell thousands of biscuits, sold books through party plan, sold chocolate-coated snakes from her high-school locker (the school canteen shut the operation down as they started losing money!), babysat and catered for parties on the weekends. Her parents paid half, she paid half, and Jessie spent a life-changing 12 months in French-speaking Belgium.
Years down the track, after working in grants and seeing just how difficult it was for organisations to find and keep track of grants, Jessie saw the need for an easy-to-use online grants directory. Jessie founded The Grants Hub in 2013, when she was 39 weeks pregnant with her second child. The Grants Hub is now Australia's award-winning grants directory, with a network of 28,000+ grant seekers and helping over 2,000 organisations across Australia find grants every day.
But it hasn’t all been smooth-sailing. When The Grants Hub was only a couple of weeks old, Jessie’s 11-day-old son was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and needed open-heart surgery. She found herself with a two-year-old daughter, a baby in emergency open heart surgery, and a startup.
Sitting in the ICU ward at the Royal Children’s Hospital, she answered emails, updated grant listings and kept The Grants Hub afloat. Miraculously, both her son and The Grants Hub survived that time with the support of many, many people.
The following years were marked by business growth, PTSD, another child (three in total), business awards and lots, and lots of coffee!
Jessie is also the founder of ‘Hey Good Thing’ - For-Purpose Gift Boxes for good.
Socials:
Website: https://jessieballantyne.com/
LinkedIn: Jessie Ballantyne
Insta: Jessie Ballantyne @jessie.ballantine
The Grants Hub
Website: https://www.thegrantshub.com.au/
FB: The Grants Hub @thegrantshub
Insta: The Grants Hub @thegrantshub
Podcast: Grants Uncovered
Hey Good Thing
Website: https://heygoodthing.com.au/
FB: Hey Good Thing
Insta: Hey Good Thing / Gift Boxes @heygoodthing
Mentions:
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Simon Harvey - Walking from Brisbane to Melbourne for kids
Simon Harvey is not your average superhero. After beating stage 4 cancer, Simon decided to don his Captain Australia outfit, walk a few thousand miles alone, and raise awareness and money for kids battling cancer.
In 2008, Simon Harvey saw the world was slowly darkening, like a piece of fruit rotting slowly from the inside out. He resolved to become CAPTAIN AUSTRALIA, and stop this slow, insidious decline. His mission was three-fold and simple:
Do Good Deeds: find positive and meaningful ways demonstrate kindness
Fight Evil: stand up against cruelty and wrong-doing
Inspire Others: be funny, joyful, righteous, inspiring others to find their way to do the same
Simon states that he failed in his Quest. He retired when his middle son was diagnosed with a serious health problem, and committed all his resources to helping him (he is thriving today).
He started a travel insurance company, which was also thriving, until the COVID border closures caused it’s collapse.
In 2016, Simon was diagnosed with a Stage 4, invasive head and neck cancer. The doctors gave him 6 months to live, with a 40-60% chance chemoradiation would save his life.
He got lucky. But there is no lucky with cancer, not really. He was in his prime, and it destroyed him. “It doesn’t only try to kill you, it tries to rob you of your dignity, hope, sense of place in the world.”
Over the next several years, Simon slipped into quiet existential crisis. Daily pain, gut-wrenching side effects, and underneath it, the thing that bothered him most, that hurt him the deepest: children have to go through this.
He realised he needed to bring Captain Australia back. He decided to do a BIG WALK for The Kids Cancer Project, and on 26.12.21 he set out to walk from Brisbane to Melbourne, by himself, no help, sleeping rough, dressed as the boofhead superhero Captain Australia.
Simon’s goal was to raise support and funds for this incredibly worthy cause, and also to heal himself, to walk away from the cancer that tried to take away his life and his hope.
Socials:
Website: https://captainaustralia.online/
FB: Captain Australia’s BIG WALK @capsBIGWALK
Insta: Captain Australia’s BIG WALK @captainaustraliasbigwalk
Mentions:
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Kerrie Atherton - Sharing Stories of HOPE
After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie Atherton walked through the doors of a 12 step program and since that day 40 years ago, has remained clean and sober. She founded “Stories of HOPE Australia” a platform that brings HOPE that it’s possible to triumph after a traumatic past.
Kerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host, Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor.
After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12 step program and since that day 40 years ago, has remained clean and sober.
Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast 17 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity in the community as well as private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor building connections and supporting people from all walks of life. In addition, she has worked with many young people in crisis at different schools on the Sunshine Coast.
Along with her husband she founded a charity called “Streetlight” which ran for six years supporting the homeless and disadvantaged.
Four years ago Kerrie founded “Stories of HOPE Australia” a platform which runs monthly events bringing HOPE to the community and is now a published author having just released the second book in her, “Stories of HOPE Australia” series ‘Resilient People, Remarkable Stories’. When the world went into lockdown, Kerrie commenced “Stories of HOPE Worldwide” an online platform sharing stories of HOPE around the world.
Kerrie's desire as a “Mental Health First Aid” trainer, is to help people recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and to give them vital tools and knowledge to empower and assist them in their time of need.
In everything she does, her passion is to help prevent suicide and hopelessness and to bring connection and HOPE to people in times of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
Socials:
Website: https://storiesofhope.com.au/
Website: https://empowerlifesolutions.com.au/
LinkedIn: Kerrie Atherton
FB: EMPOWER Life Solutions @empowerlifesolutions
Insta: Stories of HOPE Australia @stories_of_hope_aus
Mentions:
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Jessica Evans - Speaking up for children with a disability
Jessica Evans has become a passionate disability advocate since her son Karter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby. Jessica was unexpectedly thrown into the world of disability with the birth of her twins boys, and is desperate to raise awareness.
Jessica Evans is the owner of The Makeup Hub in Gippsland, works full time at a radio station, and is the mother of twins, Karter and Chase.
When Jessica was 27 she fell pregnant with the twins, but all didn’t go to plan.
Her water broke at 28 weeks and she had the twins naturally at 30 weeks. Chase was born feet first with no issues, but Karter was born with the forceps which crushed his head and left him with a bleed on the brain.
Karter was left with cerebral palsy, which was something Jessica spent many long nights googling trying to understand the condition as well as trying to come to terms with what had happened. At that point she realised this was a life long condition with no cure.
Despite the fact that cerebral palsy isn’t technically diagnosed until the child is 2 years old, Jessica knew at 4 months that this would be the family’s future. She was told that as the bleed was significant, Karter would never be able to walk or communicate.
Since 4 months old, Karter has had weekly physiotherapy, chiropractor and occupational therapy.
When Karter was 1 year old, a fundraiser enabled Jessica to take him to Bangkok for 1 month of intense therapy and stem cell injections.
Karter is now 8 and can talk and has some movement in his legs.
Jessica has become a passionate disability advocate, and shares stories of abuse, lack of access, constant concerns about inclusive facilities and events.
Socials:
Insta: Gippsland Makeup Artist @themakeuphubofgippsland
FB: The Makeup Hub @themakeuphubofgippsland
Insta: Karter’s Crew @karters.crew
Mentions:
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David C. Lee - Dreaming and achieving beyond PTSD
David C. Lee spent many years in military and police service, leading to severe PTSD. After rebuilding his own life, he now supports others to do the same.
David C. Lee is a coach, author, entrepreneur and speaker who has honed his skills as an operator, motivator, mentor and coach in a thirty year career in business, police, military and paramilitary organisations. He has built & managed million dollar businesses, has had his feet on the ground in many many high risk situations and has helped countless people move through their own fears and doubts.
David has worked with numerous organisations and individuals and drills down to the core issues of what holds an organisation or individual back. He has been to some of the darkest and scariest places both physically and emotionally and uses those experiences to help his many clients.
David is no stranger to adversity and his comeback story is one of true inspiration. David lost one of his closest friends & work colleagues in a firefight during his service & also lost two other friends in a similar way.
David was decorated on several occasions during his service, but in 2010 was diagnosed with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the cumulative trauma from his service.
In 2012 he was disengaged from the services due to Chronic PTSD and it was determined and documented that “the likelihood of him returning to any form of meaningful employment unlikely and sadly, his prognosis is very guarded in that he is likely to remain a man continually troubled by the aftermath of his trauma exposure for many years to come”.
David then set about rebuilding his life using many of the strategies he now teaches. David’s physical and mental suffering were a journey of self discovery and he has come though a much stronger and better man.
David is the author of ‘Capture Your Dreams & Smash Your Fears’, ‘Positive Thinking’, and ‘Attitude of Success’. He is also the host of the podcast Dreamers, Believers, & High Achievers
Experience counts & with David you get the real deal, a leader, speaker and a coach, someone who has been at the coalface, someone who won’t let you down.
Socials:
Website: https://davidclee.com/
LinkedIn: David C. Lee
FB: David C. Lee @davidcleeofficial
Insta: David C. Lee @david_c_lee_official
Books: https://www.amazon.com/David-C.-Lee/e/B09SP7Y4Q3
Podcast: Dreamers, Believers, & High Achievers
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Tanya Heaney-Voogt - Creating mentally healthy workplaces
Tanya Heaney-Voogt is a mentally healthy workplaces expert, workplace change facilitator and certified leadership coach, helping leaders, teams and organisations to thrive in this rapidly changing and high demand world of work.
Tanya Heaney-Voogt is a mentally healthy workplaces expert, workplace change facilitator and certified leadership coach, helping leaders, teams and organisations to thrive in this rapidly changing and high demand world of work.
With a 25-year career leading people, projects and change across the health sector Tanya now works primarily with public sector entities to develop mentally healthy work practices, strengthen workplace cultures; and develop safe, effective and high performing leaders and teams.
She draws on her own experiences as a senior leader dealing with work overload and change saturation to support leaders to develop more sustainable individual strategies and to assist workplaces to manage the environmental factors that contribute to unsafe levels of work-related stress.
Tanya has worked extensively with health, education, local government and environmental agencies in consulting, coaching and training activities. Her popular Cracking the Change CodeTM program has supported a myriad of public entities to implement enterprise-wide change initiatives.
Tanya is also the author of ‘Transforming Norm – Leading the change to a mentally healthy workplace’.
Socials:
Website: https://tanyaheaneyvoogt.com/
LinkedIn: Tanya Heaney-Voogt - Transforming Workplaces
Insta: Tanya Heaney-Voogt @tanyaheaneyvoogt
Youtube: Tanya Heaney-Voogt
Mentions:
Australian Productivity Commission
Dr. Adam Fraser - Strive (book)
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Donna McGeorge - Refunding precious time
Donna McGeorge is an author, speaker, facilitator and consultant who is passionate about time. In particular helping people to refund a full day per week to spend on the tings that matter most to them.
Donna McGeorge is passionate about enhancing the large amount of time we spend in our workplace (too much, for many) to ensure it is effective and productive, as well as enjoyable.
Donna believes that workplaces are complex, but not hard. More often than not it’s getting the simple things right, consistently, that has the greatest impact.
She also knows that when we decide to be intentional, we can surprise ourselves with what we can achieve.
Known as THE productivity coach, she has a range of sessions, books, products and services to help you improve your productivity.
Donna earned her Bachelor of Education (Human Resource Development at The University of Technology, Sydney). She is a Certified Speaking Professional and was on the faculty of Though Leaders Global from 2014 to 2018.
As a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, Donna’s animated delivery and ‘front of room’ energy enables people to engage enthusiastically with her and her material.
She brings her creative and practical approach together with a significant corporate organisation development background to help people where they are at.
For over 20 years Donna has worked as a trainer, facilitator and speaker in leading corporate environments, including Ford Motor Company, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, L’Oreal, Jetstar, Pacific Hydro, Nissan Motor Company, Flight Centre, and ANZ Bank.
In 2014, Donna returned from 2 years abroad, where she worked closely with the senior leadership team at Ford Asia Pacific in China to help transform organisational design, development, and strategic planning.
Donna believes that workplaces are complex, but not hard. More often than not it’s getting the simple
things right, consistently, that has the greatest impact.
She also knows that when we decide to be intentional, we can surprise ourselves with what we can achieve.
Socials:
Website: https://donnamcgeorge.com/
LinkedIn: Donna McGeorge CSP
FB: Donna McGeorge
Insta: Donna McGeorge @dmcgeorge
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Zac Jones - Driving home a strong safety message
In 2017, Zac Jones crashed his car while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, seriously injuring himself and his four passengers. As a result, he wound up in jail where he managed to turn his life around.
Zac Jones was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1996 and is co-author of Why The Fallen?
Having been expelled from most schools he attended, he completed Year 10 before refusing to continue his studies. He worked several jobs and manage a small family business while battling alcohol and substance abuse.
In 2017, he crashed his car while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, seriously injuring himself and his four passengers. As a result, he wound up in jail, where he managed to turn his life around and overcome the underlying issues surrounding his drug and alcohol abuse.
Zac is an engaging and inspiring speaker who is now committed to preventing young men and women from making the same mistakes as him and helping them work through issues with substance addiction and crime.
Zac is passionate about music and plays the guitar. He sings, writes and composes songs and uses this creativity as a positive focus on the difficult days. He is living proof that making mistakes builds character and resilience.
Why The Fallen? is not the finished story of Zac’s life but is the first chapter in what is sure to be an exciting saga.
Socials:
Website: https://www.whythefallen.com/
LinkedIn: Zac Jones
FB: Why The Fallen?
Insta: Zac Jones @zacjonesphnz
Mentions:
You Choose Youth Road Safety (Melissa McGuiness) https://www.youchooseyrs.org.au/
Melissa’s child was driving a car that crashed killing her child as well as 3-4 others in the other car
Veteran Mentors https://www.veteranmentors.com.au/
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