Inspiration

Sometimes the end of the race is only the beginning | Anna Meares OAM

Anna Meares is the only Australian to win a medal in an individual event at four Olympic Games. She was Australia’s flag bearer at the Rio Olympics. But Anna’s life since Rio has not been easy, as she struggled to come to terms with retirement, a divorce, the death of her much loved coach Gary West, and the realisation that, for all her greatness, the world of elite cycling was carrying on without her. In her new book, Anna Meares: Now, Anna describes the impact all this loss had on her, as she found herself feeling despondent and alone, and questioning if all she’d achieved was truly worth it. 

‘There were times when going to sleep was the hardest part of my entire day,’ she writes. ‘I just wanted to stay asleep, if I ever got there.’

Happily, Anna was able to turn her life around. She is in a new relationship and recently gave birth to a daughter, Evelyn. In this exclusive extract, she recalls the depths of her despair after she retired and when things started to improve …

ANZAC Day: Purpose, Paths & Missions | Mark Wales

A former SAS Troop Commander, Mark Wales carries an impeccable military career that took him to Afghanistan on multiple tours, leading elite teams in the toughest and most stressful environments imaginable. 

Mark shares his thoughts about ANZAC Day.

The resilience to be your best | Dianne McGrath | Resilience

Business resilience in the time of COVID-19. 

At ICMI we are fortunate to have Australia’s best business thinkers in our stable. Our speakers are experts in change management, dealing with disruption and guiding businesses through uncharted waters.

The current health crisis presents several challenges in both protecting our staff’s health today, and protecting their income tomorrow as business realities set in. With this in mind, we’ve asked our speakers to share their insights on how businesses can ride the shockwave and minimise the impact.

About the Author: 

One of 100 remaining candidates for the Mars One Mission in 2031, Dianne McGrath encourages us all to explore the resilience within ourselves, as that will bring out the very best in all of us. 

Here’s what she had to say:

Finding opportunities in times of crisis | Mark Carter | Resilience

Business resilience in the time of COVID-19. 

At ICMI we are fortunate to have Australia’s best business thinkers in our stable. Our speakers are experts in change management, dealing with disruption and guiding businesses through uncharted waters.

The current health crisis presents several challenges in both protecting our staff’s health today, and protecting their income tomorrow as business realities set in. With this in mind, we’ve asked our speakers to share their insights on how businesses can ride the shockwave and minimise the impact.

About the Author: 

Once a learning and development leader with Contiki Holidays, Mark Carter learned plenty about leadership in times of crisis and disruption. He shares valuable insights on how to stretch personal growth and future business success.

Here’s what he had to say:

Gaining some healthy perspective on a health crisis | Christine Nixon | Resilience

Business resilience in the time of COVID-19. 

At ICMI we are fortunate to have Australia’s best business thinkers in our stable. Our speakers are experts in change management, dealing with disruption and guiding businesses through uncharted waters.

The current health crisis presents several challenges in both protecting our staff’s health today, and protecting their income tomorrow as business realities set in. With this in mind, we’ve asked our speakers to share their insights on how businesses can ride the shockwave and minimise the impact. 

About the Author: 

The first woman to become Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police in Australia, Christine Nixon lead a staff of over 14,000 through organisational change, disruption and extreme circumstances, so she’s no stranger to managing a crisis. 

Here’s what she had to say:

How to own all forms of market disruption | Gus Balbontin | Resilience

Business resilience in the time of COVID-19. 

At ICMI we are fortunate to have Australia’s best business thinkers in our stable. Our speakers are experts in change management, dealing with disruption and guiding businesses through uncharted waters.

The current health crisis presents several challenges in both protecting our staff’s health today, and protecting their income tomorrow as business realities set in. With this in mind, we’ve asked our speakers to share their insights on how businesses can ride the shockwave and minimise the impact.

About the Author: 

Investor, entrepreneur, founder and explorer, Gus Balbontin encourages businesses to act now to adjust strategies, products, services and culture to deal with disruption, whatever form it comes in.

Here’s what he had to say:

Exploring the possibilities of What's Next? | Jason Clarke | Resilience

Business resilience in the time of COVID-19. 

At ICMI we are fortunate to have Australia’s best business thinkers in our stable. Our speakers are experts in change management, dealing with disruption and guiding businesses through uncharted waters.

The current health crisis presents several challenges in both protecting our staff’s health today, and protecting their income tomorrow as business realities set in. With this in mind, we’ve asked our speakers to share their insights on how businesses can ride the shockwave and minimise the impact.

About the Author: 

One of the most sought-after creative minds in the country, Jason Clarke takes an optimistic approach to business resilience to explore bold new ways of thinking and working.

Here’s what he had to say:

Results vs Legacy | Rob Redenbach | Leadership speaker

When it comes to leadership, Rob Redenbach knows how leaders can build a legacy to be proud of. His incredible life story saw him work with Nelson Mandela’s bodyguard team, survive a roadside ambush in Baghdad and provide security to aid-workers in the Middle East. Drawing from his experience, Rob now inspires high-performing organisations around the world and equips leaders with practical tools for building collaborative and resilient teams. Here’s what Rob has to say on how leaders can deliver worthwhile results. 

Book excerpt: 21 Steps to Become an Awesome Public Speaker | Jordana Borensztajn | Keynote Speaker

Jordana Borensztajn is an expert when it comes to taking charge of your personal brand and growing your business by amplifying your message with powerful public speaking skills. She has a keynote on both topics and has recently penned a new book, 21 Steps to Become an Awesome Public Speaker. This bite-sized book is made up of 21 easy-to-apply and entertaining steps you can implement over a 3-week period to grow and develop your presentation skills. Jordana has shared an excerpt from the book for you to have a sneak peek.

Get to know Communication Expert Jordana Borensztajn | MC & Keynote Speaker

Jordana Borensztajn is a communication expert and MC who uses comedy and engaging storytelling to connect with audiences. The author of two books: 21 Steps to Become an Awesome Public Speaker and Capture My Attention: How to Stand Out Online with Creative Content, she certainly knows how to harness powerful connections. In her high-energy keynotes and workshops, she captivates each individual with her authentic, unique and inspiring style.

One Minute with Veteran News Anchor Mimi Kwa | Keynote Speaker & MC

Mimi Kwa has been on our television screens for 20 years as a veteran news anchor, journalist, programme host and presenter. She has read live news bulletins beamed to 40 countries, was the first Asian presenter on National Nine News and has interviewed Prime Ministers, bank CEOs, sports stars and celebrities. Mimi’s journalism background has made her an outstanding Master Facilitator, MC and Keynote speaker.

For these Australians of the Year, uncommon valour was their common virtue

Each and every year, our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards. These everyday Aussies inspire and challenge us to make our own contribution to create a better Australia. Needless to say, it takes a pretty special person to win this honour. Or, in this year’s case, persons.

Book Excerpt: The Way Of The Spiritual Entrepreneur | Pauline Nguyen | Inspirational Speaker

Pauline Nguyen is one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs. She is the owner of the Red Lantern, the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world and author of her best-selling memoir Secrets of the Red Lantern. Pauline is an inspiring speaker who connects with her audience in a profound way - she helps awaken and focus people to change their own story for a better future.

Q & A with Royal Australian Navy Pilot Kate Munari | Leadership Speaker

Kate Munari is leading and succeeding as a female in a male-dominated workplace. She is the only female Australian Navy pilot to fly operationally in Afghanistan and has recently retired from the Royal Australian Navy after 17 years of service. As a speaker, Kate is engaging right from the start and will enthral any audience with stories from a harsh and unique workplace whilst inspiring everyone to realise that stereotypes and seemingly insurmountable odds shouldn’t stop them from pursuing their goals.

Autobiography Book Excerpt: Defy Your Destiny | Fiori Giovanni | Inspirational Speaker

From a child soldier to a successful businesswoman, Fiori Giovanni’s story is one of facing impossible odds and overcoming them. Faced with an arranged marriage at 12, she defied her parents. Recruited into the Eritrean army at 14, she defied authority, sending her on a harrowing journey that crossed 5 continents and 20 countries in search of knowledge, personal growth and wisdom; eventually settling in Australia. Fiori is now a highly sought after keynote speaker and a respected Business and Executive Coach.

Inspirational Speaker Fiori has recently released her autobiography and has shared the first chapter with us.