Biography
Alan Hannaford was born into a cattle farming family on the 22nd May 1949. His passion even as an infant was obvious to everyone. It was horses, cattle and talking.
In 1974 also saw the cattle depression hit Australia which forced Alan to look for another income source for the family business. He commenced breaking in horses. In the next four years Alan broke in approximately 400 horses.
Cattle prices had picked up. Life on the family farm was good. The business was flourishing. Alan began to compete in a horse sport called Campdrafting and became very successful at it. He not only became very respected in this sport but was considered to be also a top educator. He was invited to address a crowd of 4000 people at the Equitana Expo in 2008 for over half an hour and left them wanting more.
Alan has competed at the World Championship Campdraft at Sydney Royal Show on eight occasions. He judged this event in the year 2000. He aims to keep competing in Campdrafts as long as he remains competitive and enjoys the comradery and the sport itself.
Alan’s father died in 1982. Control of the family business went soley to his mother. In 1992 a family split from his core family saw Alan & Kathy forced to leave and go into business for themselves. They ran their property, breeding cattle and horses. They also had an “off farm” retail business which they ran for twenty years.
Alan and Kathy’s focus now was on getting the best education for their two daughters. They chose to send Natalie and Tanya to Loreto College Normanhurst in Sydney to board. Both girls now have successful careers.
About five years ago Alan was stricken with the complaint, Trigeminal Neuralgia. After years of excruciating and debilitating pain (which saw his life stop as he knew it), he was finally diagnosed, operated on and cured totally. This experience left Alan with a whole new appreciation of life.
Alan has always been interested in ‘public speaking’ and like everything else he puts his mind to Alan had to be very good at it. He sort advice from the best in the business and honed his skills with the help of his personal mentor. Alan has a very ‘up front’ but clearly a unique Australian style of presenting.
His many years of droving large mobs of cattle in the three eastern states of Australia together with his life experiences, has given him an enviable supply of great stories.
Alan is also a qualified Mediator. He believes this is a valuable asset and gives him a great understanding of negotiating and reading people’s emotions. Alan enjoys speaking to many different organisations, corporate groups, agencies and individuals.
After completing approximately a hundred speeches, he turned Professional. His speeches are not only informative (many individuals crediting him for improving their lives, success, both from a happiness and monitory point of view), but he is funny and unforgettable. He is a larger than life individual who wants to share his experiences with those he can help.
Testimonials
Our Corporate Day was aimed at fostering team building skills amongst the 40 participants in a relaxed environment, away from the workplace. I am pleased that, in this regard, the day was an overwhelming success.
The set-up on your property was ideal, the food was fantastic and the activities were as fun as they were instructive in emphasising the value of teamwork. The highlight, however, was Alan’s presentation. The key messaging was well delivered with interesting reflections on his life lessons, interspersed with a good dose of humour to keep the team entertained. All in all it was a thoroughly engaging presentation that, as intended, left many reflecting on the importance of our team values.
I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you both committed to the day and congratulate you on a very successful formula that will, no doubt, benefit many organisations in future.
Head of Aviation
Canberra Airport
If you are looking for a real Aussie perspective that is delivered in an entertaining and powerful way then Alan Hannaford is your man. He speaks from the heart and from experience. Some may say he shoots from the lip with his one liners and it all combines to be a fantastic experience. Alan is spell-binding and takes you with him on his journey. He’ll have you laughing and hanging on every word. Whether you want a top ‘after dinner’ speech or a compelling keynote for an event, get Alan Hannaford on your stage. He will connect with you and your audience in the most down to earth and effective way.
Director of Broadspring Consulting Pty. Ltd
Head of Organisation Culture at Bendigo Bank
Learning & Development Manager at Perpetual Trustees
Alan Hannaford is the quintessential story-teller whose tales of the bush have a message that resonates through all areas of life, leadership and business success. As someone who engages with other speakers of the highest calibre I am often awed by Alan’s ability to touch people with his stories. I have watched audiences being spellbound and held as if in a trance by his ability to deliver a story of substance.
He is an outstanding horseman, who comes with a touch of the Iconic “bushie”. He is entertaining and inspiring. This is what in my opinion makes Alan so special as a speaker. All success.
Director
Today! Seminars
Alan Hannaford presentation for our company Frame Rural Agencies inspired all those who attended and has been a major talking point with present future clients. Our guests left the venue wanting more and have enquired to when we are having Alan Hannaford back for another inspirational message.
Alan’s positive thinking and motivation has had a huge impact on where Frame Rural Agencies are today.
Owner
Frame Rural Agencies
I had the absolute joyful pleasure of listening and watching Alan’s presentation at the Rotary District Conference in the Barossa Valley recently.
Alan is one of the best raconteurs that I have ever observed or heard. He has that rare capacity to hold a very large audience in the palm of his hands. His presentation was certainly the most memorable of all the presentations and gigs I have attended. He has a brilliant way with words and is able to relay the most mundane event into an entertaining recital.
He demonstrated all the skills of a great comedienne with his wit, timing and actions, resulting in the whole audience virtually having a laugh a minute.
Whilst having all these attributes referred to, his niche lies in his unique Aussie subject area. My friends and associates would love to see and hear more of Alan.
Annual Rotary Conference attendee
Alan Hannaford not only has great stories but he is also a great story teller with his presentation liberally sprinkled with stories of people and places. All in all, Alan added up to be one of our best entertainers at our evening meetings.
Rotary Club of Moruya
