“Nothing is Impossible when we are prepared to face our fears, and believe in ourselves”
Warren Macdonald has a passion for living beyond the bounds of acceptance. He has a passion for the environment, using adventure as a key learning tool, and for doing more with less. Warren’s life’s boundaries were redefined in April 1997, when at the age of 31, he spent two days alone pinned under a one-ton boulder after a freak rock fall on Hinchinbrook Island in Northern Queensland, Australia. He survived, only to undergo the amputation of both legs at mid thigh. His doctor told him he’d never walk again. Warren’s comment was that “I don’t recall him saying anything about cycling, kayaking, or climbing mountains…” Just ten months later he successfully summitted first Cradle Mountain then Federation Peak, Australia’s toughest mountain summit! Warren’s expeditions have taken him around the globe. In February 2003, he became the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro, and more recently, in a spectacular effort requiring more than 2800 pull-ups, created history once again in an ascent of America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan. In an age where exploration is no longer defined in geographical terms, a new breed of disabled athletes are exploring and redefining the outer limits of human potential. Warren Macdonald is one of those athletes. He recognizes change as a process, not an end result. His ability to manage transition, to create opportunity from any situation keeps him in demand as a speaker and corporate motivator. Warren inspires audiences to believe in themselves, demonstrating through action that “Nothing is impossible if we dare to face our fears and believe in ourselves”. That achieving success requires taking positive steps forward, and that each step we take, no matter how small, moves us closer to our goals. His presentation reinforces the importance of recognizing change as an opportunity to transform our lives and turn negatives into positives.
Presentation Topics
Warren's personal account of his 1997 accident on North Queenslands Hinchinbrook Island, and his triumphant return to the mountains less than 10 months later has left audiences awestruck. Having relived the story in writing with his best selling book, One Step Beyond, he retells it now for corporate audiences, complete with vivid video footage from his rescue. Audiences worldwide have been captivated by Warren’s story, their resolve strengthened to tackle head on any obstacles standing in their way. Invite Warren to encourage your team to go "One Step Beyond".
- Putting Your Best Foot Forward
All too often we focus on our weaknesses in life rather than our strengths. This leads us to make excuses rather take action. Warren focuses on the importance of taking steps towards our goals, both physically and metaphorically, rather than being held back by our weaknesses. Every venture or journey is made up of many steps; some large, some small. The most important step is the first. Without it, we go nowhere...
Doing more with less. What does that mean? Sometimes we can get bogged down in terminology and concepts that just don't seem "real”. How can I do more with less? I can't do everything I need to do now, let alone with less. Less time, less money, less resources... Warren likes to keep things simple. Doing more with less comes about naturally if we CHOOSE wisely. All of us, without exception, make hundreds of decisions each and every day. Warren shows us how, through choosing wisely, we can take back control and get more out of our personal and professional lives.
People often talk about "thinking outside of the square” or "thinking outside of the box”. Warren recognizes that thought will only get us so far, that real achievement requires action. Stepping out of the Box focuses on the importance of calculated risk, of believing in ourselves and our ability to turn seemingly insurmountable obstacles into rewarding opportunities.
Warren's presentation is supported by stunning imagery, providing a rare insight into the life of someone who, despite a major disability, chooses to "step outside of the box” instead of being confined within it.
Testimonials
“The impact your visit had on our organization has been profound. Four weeks later my team is still discussing what you taught us and continue to reflect on how your attitude to life, obstacles and challenges can benefit them in their own lives. The relevance, clarity and poignancy of your presentation…has helped us refocus on the tasks we have to complete and brought the team closer together.”
Motability Finance Limited
"Your keynote presentation on Monday was a huge success (in case you couldn't tell by the STANDING OVATION you received!). I've had so many people come to tell me that you were the best speaker we've ever had and how much it meant to them to hear your story. You have an amazing spirit that resonates in everything you say and do."
Alberta Envirofuels Inc
