In a world thirsty for inspiration, Australia delivers in spades. As a growing country, we outshine many of the bigger nations when it comes to technology and innovation, the economy, leadership, education and sporting excellence. So it comes as no surprise we’re also home to world-class Motivational Speakers hailing from a variety of fields and industries – trailblazers who are out there on the global stage inspiring the next generation of great leaders and thinkers.
Whether you’re looking for a multi-award winning creative genius to inspire new thinking, a true survivor to reframe your definition of resilience or a global sporting hero to inject some team spirit, our Australian Motivational Speakers are a cut above. Passionate, dynamic and thought-provoking, these 10 master storytellers will create an impression that lasts well beyond the final curtain call. Let us introduce you…
Australia’s Top 10 Motivational Speakers
1. Todd Sampson
Renowned creative genius, Todd Sampson, is a familiar face to viewers of ABC’s popular TV series ‘The Gruen Transfer’. Having helmed some of the most successful creative agencies in the world, he dissects the global advertising industry’s hits and misses with cunning astuteness and humour. Todd is also a gutsy adventurer, award-winning documentary-maker and television presenter, with international credits including the Discovery Channel’s Documentary of the Year ‘Redesign my Brain’, ‘Body Hack’ which has been nominated for Best Factual Series and Most Outstanding Documentary of the Year and ‘Life on the Line’. Read more about Todd here.
2. Sam Bloom
Sam Bloom’s life changed forever after a tragic accident in Thailand resulted in life-threatening injuries, including a shattered spine. Despite a devastating diagnosis, Sam’s recovery took a positive turn when her family adopted an injured magpie. Affectionately named Penguin by her sons, the bird inspired Sam to reconnect with her love of sport, setting her on a journey that would lead her to become three-time World Para Surfing champion and Surfing Australia Female Para Surfer of the Year. Her husband, photographer Cameron Bloom, captured the heartwarming bond between Sam and Penguin – photos that inspired a best-selling book and Box-Office hit film, ‘Penguin Bloom’, starring Naomi Watts. Read more about Sam here.
3. Ant Middleton
Host of SAS Australia and the UK’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ant Middleton inspires audiences of all ages to thrive, not just survive, by sharing the incredible power of a positive mindset. Drawing on his extraordinary career in the elite forces, where he achieved the rare ‘Holy Trinity’ by serving with the Marines, 9 Parachute Squadron and Special Boat Service, Ant recounts his experience with some of the most mentally and physically challenging situations on earth. His thrilling stories and leadership lessons empower audiences to overcome challenges, embrace mental toughness and unlock their true potential. Read more about Ant here.
4. Turia Pitt
In 2011, model and fitness fanatic Turia Pitt embarked on a 100km ultra-marathon in the Kimberley region, unaware of the grassfire that would change the course of her life. Sustaining horrific burns to over 65% of her body, Turia spent two months in a coma, given little chance of survival. After undergoing more than 200 surgeries, losing seven fingers and enduring a gruelling rehabilitation regimen, Turia’s incredible fortitude has seen her complete an Ironman triathlon and 20km swim race, cycle from Sydney to Uluru and trek the Great Wall of China. She has also raised over $200,000 for Interplast, a charitable organisation providing reconstructive surgery to people in developing countries. Read more about Turia here.
5. Dr Richard Harris OAM and Dr Craig Challen OAM
When 12 boys from a Thai soccer team became trapped in a flooded cave in 2018, Dr. Craig Challen and Dr. Richard Harris, two of Australia’s leading underwater cave divers, were asked to join the international rescue mission to save them. They worked 16 hour days to help the boys to safety in a story that gripped the world, and has since been immortalised in the Hollywood movie ‘Thirteen Lives’). Craig and Richard were awarded a Star of Courage as well as the Order of Australia for service to the international community for their selfless bravery during the successful rescue, and were also named as the first dual Australians of the Year for their heroic efforts. Read more about Richard and Craig.
6. Nedd Brockman
Nedd Brockman turned a personal goal into a social sensation by running 4,000km from Perth to Bondi, setting a record as the fastest Australian and the second fastest in the world over the distance. Completing the journey in just over 46 days, he averaged an impressive 80km each day, documenting his adventure on Instagram along the way. Nedd captured the hearts of the nation, receiving support from a diverse crowd including truckies and farmers, roadside workers and kids from all walks of life. Messages of support from the Prime Minister, celebrities like Jimmy Barnes and Ash Barty, and even Hollywood actor Lily James helped Nedd raise a staggering $2.5 million for the homeless charity Mobilise. Read more about Nedd here.
7. Dr. Jessica Gallagher
Dr. Jessica Gallagher holds the distinction of being the first Australian athlete, Olympic or Paralympic, to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, representing Australia in Alpine Skiing, athletics and cycling. As a sight-impaired, high-performance athlete competing in a perilous, high-speed environment, Jess imparts practical techniques for shaping risk appetite and translating fear into an indispensable aspect of mindset, ability and performance. Read more about Jessica here.
8. Anthony Laye
From incredible mind-reading tricks to moments of sheer laughter and amazement, Anthony Laye is the master at building the ultimate team-building experience. As a celebrity mentalist and regular on TV, he takes audiences on an interactive journey that will leave them spellbound with wonder and magic, questioning “how on earth did he do that?” Anthony’s dynamic and engaging approach not only entertains, but also teaches powerful business communication and influence tools to help audience members grow as leaders, influencers and communicators. Read more about Anthony here
9. Dr. Louise Mahler
When a car crashed into her childcare centre in 2003, Sophie Delezio suffered third-degree burns to 85% of her body and lost her right hand, right ear and both legs below the knee. After defying the odds to survive, another devastating accident just 3 years later resulted in further catastrophic injuries. But her remarkable resilience shone through. And despite the tough road, she’s never let her accidents define her or hold her back. She’s travelled the globe, enjoyed incredible adventures and has just welcomed her first child into the world. There is no better symbol of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity than Sophie Delezio. Read more about Sophie here.
10. Kurt Fearnley AO
Despite being born without the lower part of his spinal cord, Kurt Fearnley’s determination to live his life to the fullest has never wavered. He chased his dream of travelling and playing professional sport, becoming a world-class athlete, earning the nickname ‘Marathon Man’ for his wheelchair sporting achievements. With 5 World Championship titles and 4 Paralympic medals, including 2 golds, Kurt’s athletic feats are legendary. However, it’s his unwavering dedication to helping those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds that sets him apart, and has earned him honours including Australian of the Year and Officer of the Order of Australia. Read more about Kurt here.
With so much world-class talent on offer, our task of selecting the 10 best Australian Motivational Speakers was a difficult one! If you have a brief for us we’d be happy to provide you with a curated list of speakers specific to your needs… just get in touch with us for a chat to get the ball rolling!