Publications
Vulnerability is the fuel for change.
David's strength in speaking lies in his ability to connect with his audience on a personal level, using his own experiences to educate, entertain and inspire them to own their story and create positive, lasting impact.
Here's why...
RAW
David's stories of overcoming adversity are not just inspiring, but they connect with people on a very deep and emotional level.
By sharing his personal struggles, he creates a sense of vulnerability that helps his audience relate to him and feel seen.
David's raw and authentic approach to speaking allows his audience to see the humanity in his experiences, making his message more impactful and memorable.
Entertaining
Laughter and dancing may not be what you typically expect, but that's exactly what David brings to the table.
He understands that radical changes in our physiology are proven to boost retention of knowledge and make for a fun experience.
David's use of humour and interactive activities to keep his audience invested is the kindling needed for building a thriving culture where people have fun at work.
Enlightening
David is passionate about making his talks both informative and enlightening, as he draws from his own experiences and the latest research in peer support, emotional intelligence and neuroscience to deliver content that is practical and useful.
David's ability to break down complex concepts and deliver them in an easily digestible manner is what makes him such a valuable resource for your business.
Memorable
David's presentations and workshops are not forgotten. His ability to deeply connect with his audience, pour on some humour and sprinkle in thought-provoking insights all contribute to an unforgettable experience.
Attendees leave David's presentations feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to take action.
Many business leaders tell us how David's presentations restored belief within themselves!
"A captivating and succinct way to break down the complexity of mental health in the workplace... would be awesome for more of our people to experience this."
- Bill Bovopoulos, Partner of Cloud & Digital at PwC
David's Most Requested Keynotes
David tailors each presentation and workshop to match your group's unique needs and preferences. All of David's sessions can be delivered virtually, just chat to us to find how. These topics can be delivered individually or over the course of a multi-day conference. Allow 60-90 minutes each.
The Power of Vulnerability
Creating a Culture of Mental Health at Work
In today's fast-paced, remote work environment, the topic of mental health has never been more important. Yet, it remains an area shrouded in stigma, misconceptions, and often dealt with in silence.
Recognizing this pressing need for change, David invites you to embark on a transformative journey as he shares his own triumphs and tribulations with mental health. The purpose of this presentation is to challenge the status quo, disrupt the way we perceive and address mental health in the workplace, and empower attendees with new tools and insights to create a culture that embraces vulnerability, compassion, and genuine support.
Throughout the session, David will guide you on a journey of self-discovery, emphasising the significance of confidently and compassionately supporting your colleagues. By embracing vulnerability, you'll uncover the hidden strength that lies within, fostering emotional attractiveness that paves the way for more authentic relationships at work which lead to higher levels of trust & collaboration.
Through heartfelt storytelling and relatable anecdotes, David brings to life what true psychological safety looks like, providing tangible strategies that can be implemented immediately.
By the end of this enlightening presentation, you'll walk away with:
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A profound understanding of how to create a culture of mental health
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Clear behaviours which help individuals feel seen, heard, and valued
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Tools to confidently navigate conversations around mental health
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Knowledge to cultivate an environment that thrives on compassion, empathy, and support
You have a fantastic opportunity to unlock the power of vulnerability and ignite a positive change within your organisation. This keynote offers you the guidance to build a workplace where mental health is not only normalised, but celebrated, enabling individuals and teams to flourish like never before.
Discovering Your Unique Voice
The Power of Storytelling in Personal Growth and Professional Success
In a world where we often feel pressured to fit in and follow the crowd, discovering and owning your unique voice becomes crucial for personal growth, influencing others, and achieving success in your professional endeavours. Your story holds immense power, enabling you to connect with others on a deeper level and authentically express yourself. In this captivating session, David encourages you to embrace the power of storytelling as a tool for personal growth, professional success, and leaving a lasting impact.
Learn how to:
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Uncover your unique voice: Through introspection and reflection, you will explore your experiences, values, and passions to discover the distinctive voice that sets you apart
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Cultivate authenticity: Learn how to embrace your authentic self and confidently share your stories, enabling you to connect with others on a genuine and meaningful level.
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Harness the power of storytelling: Understand the art of crafting compelling narratives that captivate and inspire, whether in personal conversations, professional presentations, or public speaking engagements.
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Influence and inspire others: Gain valuable insights into the techniques and strategies for using storytelling as a persuasive tool to influence, motivate, and inspire those around you.
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Ignite personal growth and professional success: Discover how embracing your unique voice and sharing your stories can propel your personal growth, enhance your professional presence, and open doors to new opportunities.
Unlocking the power of storytelling and discovering your unique voice is a transformative journey that can lead to profound personal growth and remarkable professional success. This session with David will empower you to tap into your authentic self, enabling you to connect with others in a genuine and impactful way.
By harnessing the art of storytelling, you'll not only gain the skills to inspire and influence, but also uncover the profound impact that sharing your stories can have on your own journey. Discover the transformative power of your unique voice in this session, and unleash its potential to create lasting change in both your personal and professional life.
Unmasking the Silent Struggle
Redefining Men's Mental Health
In a society that often expects men to be strong, stoic, and unaffected by emotions, the silent struggle of men's mental health remains largely unacknowledged. Deep-rooted cultural norms and societal pressures have shaped a narrative that discourages men from seeking help and expressing their feelings, leading to alarming rates of untreated mental health issues.
It is time to unmask this silent struggle and redefine men's mental health. The purpose of this keynote is to shed light on the challenges men face in accessing mental health support, challenge societal expectations, and provide practical strategies for fostering emotional wellbeing.
Through personal stories, insightful research, and a compassionate approach, David will empower audiences to break free from the constraints of traditional masculinity, creating a safe space for men to embrace vulnerability, seek help, and build resilient mental health practices.
Drawing from his personal journey with mental health as a consumer and carer for his father, he sheds light on the societal expectations, cultural pressures, and internalised stigma that hinder men from seeking help and expressing their emotions.
By attending this keynote, you will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to transform the way men's mental health is perceived and supported. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
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Deeper understanding of the unique barriers men face and the impact on their wellbeing
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Knowledge of how to use vulnerability as a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and authentic connections with the men in your life
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A fresh perspective on how to redefine masculinity
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Practical strategies for creating a network of support, including how to become a reliable and empathetic confidant for men
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Understanding of the role meaningful activities play in facilitating meaningful conversations with men
Did you know that globally, we lose a man to suicide every minute of every day? This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for conversations around men's mental health and the critical importance of seeking support. It’s time to break the silence and empower men to seek help, find strength in vulnerability, and live fulfilling lives.
Navigating the Storm
Cultivating Mental Wellness in Tertiary Students
The period from adolescence to young adulthood in tertiary education forms a critical life stage and students can be more vulnerable to mental health difficulties. They may have moved away from family for the first time, have greater financial responsibilities and might even engage in risky behaviours like drug and alcohol use. This makes students a particular group that can fall through the cracks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner into the works too, completely amplifying the day-to-day struggles of a student and interfering with their academic performance and personal development.
In this insightful and empathetic presentation, David explores the unique challenges faced by students and offers invaluable guidance on maintaining mental wellness throughout their academic journey. By sharing his personal experiences and leveraging his expertise, David equips students with practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, seek support, and prioritise self-care. This engaging session aims to empower students to take control of their mental health, find balance, and flourish academically and personally.
David's unique ability to connect with tertiary students through humour and relatable stories of his own experiences on campus creates a safe and engaging environment where students feel heard and understood. This talk is a powerful reminder that students are not alone in their struggles and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Heart-Centred Leadership
Empowering Teams to Thrive and Create Impact
In the realm of leadership, we often focus on the intellectual aspects - strategies, analysis, and decision-making. However, there is a profound shift happening in the understanding of effective leadership—one that embraces the power of the heart. Research in the field of neurocardiology has unveiled the remarkable capabilities of the heart as an information centre, capable of learning, remembering, and influencing our thoughts, emotions, and actions independently of the mind. This emerging science highlights the unbounded potential of leading from the heart, with intention and elevated emotion.
Drawing upon insights from neurocardiology and his own experiences leading Linkmate, David will guide you through the profound impact of leading with an open heart. By connecting deeply with our hearts, we unlock a wellspring of trust, authenticity, and empathy within ourselves and our teams.
At Linkmate, David witnessed the remarkable shifts that occurred when he fostered a heart-centred approach. Team members felt safe and supported, leading to increased transparency, open communication, and a willingness to share challenges and concerns. These newfound levels of trust and vulnerability paved the way for profound outcomes, both internally and externally. Clients experienced transformative workshops, and even senior business leaders bravely shared their personal journeys with mental health, inspiring their employees and setting a positive example.
Throughout this session, you will gain:
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Knowledge of the science behind the heart-brain connection and its impact on cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing
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Actionable insights to embrace heart-centred leadership in your own professional journey
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Practical strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence, fostering authentic connections, and nurturing a supportive team culture
Join David in embracing the paradigm shift towards heart-centred leadership—a path that empowers teams to thrive, create lasting impact, and cultivate a culture of authenticity and purpose. As you integrate these practices into your leadership approach, you will witness the remarkable impact it has on your team's morale, productivity, and overall success.
From Trauma to Triumph
The Journey of Overcoming Adversity
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. Along this path, we all encounter moments of adversity and trauma that have the power to shape us in profound ways. However, these experiences don’t have to define us. In fact, they can become catalysts for growth, resilience, and transformation. In this powerful session, David explores the journey of overcoming adversity and how it can be transmuted into a strength that allows us to heal, serve others, and lead a truly fulfilling life.
During this presentation, David will skillfully weave in the latest trauma research along with his personal experience of overcoming either loneliness, workplace trauma, a dysfunctional upbringing, grief or addiction into the fabric of your event's theme. The key purpose here is to illuminate how resilience, self-discovery, and the power of rewriting one's story can pave the way for healing and transformation.
You’ll walk away with:
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A deeper understanding of the impact of trauma and adversity on our lives and how it shapes our perspectives, behaviours, and relationships
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An arsenal of practical tools to navigate the healing process and transform past traumas into sources of strength and resilience
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Storytelling strategies to connect with others, inspire empathy, and foster healing in yourself and those around you
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A renewed mindset of growth and possibility, realising that your past does not determine our future, and that you have the power to create a life of triumph and fulfilment
The journey from trauma to triumph is not an easy one, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. By embracing our own stories of overcoming adversity, we unlock the potential for healing, personal growth, and the ability to inspire others.
Through this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to transform your own journey and turn your past into a source of strength and resilience. Join us on this transformative exploration, and discover the power within you to rise above any challenge and lead a life filled with triumph, purpose, and fulfilment.
The Transformative Power of Peer Support
Building Resilient Communities Together
Studies have shown that receiving support from peers who have experienced similar challenges can lead to higher levels of empowerment, emotional resilience and quality of life.
In David’s own journey with mental health, he discovered the profound impact of peer support firsthand. When he bravely shared his struggles with his dad, it opened up a channel of understanding and vulnerability between them. Through shared experiences, they found strength, validation, and the courage to navigate their individual paths to healing. Inspired by this transformative journey, he founded Linkmate, a platform dedicated to providing peer support to thousands of individuals facing mental health challenges.
In this powerful session, David will delve into the significance of peer support and its potential to create positive change in our lives. Together, you will explore the benefits of peer support, including improved self-confidence, reduced stress, increased sense of belonging, and enhanced mental and physical wellbeing.
By the end of this session, you will walk away with:
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A deeper understanding of the power of peer support and the positive influence it can have on personal growth and community resilience.
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Practical strategies for building supportive networks, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence, and creating a sense of purpose and belonging.
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Knowledge of how to cultivate a culture of compassion, understanding, and resilience
Join David on this transformative journey of peer support, where you will discover the strength in vulnerability, embrace the power of authentic connections, and learn how to confidently be there for one another in times of need. This session is your organisation’s catalyst for deeper connection, higher levels of collaboration and improved morale.
Leadership with Impact
Building a Socially Responsible Business
In today's socially conscious landscape, the preferences of consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, have shifted significantly. According to a Nielsen poll, a staggering 85% of Millennials and 80% of Gen Z prioritise environmental concerns when choosing which companies to engage with.
The message is clear: businesses that fail to embrace initiatives such as waste reduction, clean water programs, charity and volunteer work, ensuring diversity and equality in the workplace, supporting local communities and other opportunities are not only neglecting their responsibility to the planet but also forfeiting a substantial portion of the market.
The impact is tangible: lost revenue and missed opportunities to connect with a generation of consumers who actively seek out socially responsible companies aligning with their values. It's time to recognize that integrating social responsibility into the core strategy of businesses is not just a choice but a prerequisite for success in today's conscious marketplace.
In this session, David will explore the profound impact of socially responsible leadership and guide participants on a journey to build businesses that not only thrive financially but also leave a lasting positive impact on society and the environment.
By delving into the principles and practices of socially responsible business, attendees will gain practical insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose to create a business that not only benefits their bottom line but also contributes to the wellbeing of communities and the planet.
Throughout the session, David will share captivating stories, thought-provoking examples, and tangible solutions that will inspire participants to cultivate a culture of social responsibility, foster meaningful connections with customers, and drive sustainable success. Join this session to discover the transformative power of leadership with impact and unlock new possibilities for your business and our world.
Unleashing the Power of Our Self-Image
How Our Beliefs Shape Our Reality
Have you ever considered the power of your self-image? Your self-image is not just a reflection of who you are; it is the lens through which you perceive the world, the filter that influences your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Somewhere along the way, we internalised a story of our past—a story that became our truth, defining our identity and potential. But what if we could rewrite that story? What if we could redesign our self-image from one of limitation to one of strength and resilience?
Throughout David’s own personal journey, he discovered the profound impact that his self-image had on his life. He carried a self-image of worthlessness for years, believing that he was destined to fail and never truly achieve his goals. But as he began to question and challenge these self-limiting beliefs, he realised that he had the power to rewrite his own story. He could redesign his self-image and step into a narrative of strength, resilience, and learning.
Drawing on the evidence-based research from Maxwell Maltz's groundbreaking work in Psycho-Cybernetics, David weaves in timeless teachings that are rooted in solid science, providing a clear prescription for transformative thinking and action that can yield measurable and meaningful results.
In this powerful session, David will guide you on a journey of self-discovery. You will:
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Explore the intricate relationship between your beliefs, self-image, and reality
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Uncover the subconscious patterns and narratives that have been shaping our experiences and holding us back from reaching our true potential
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Learn practical strategies to rewrite your self-image and cultivate a mindset of abundance and possibility
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Discover how to identify and release self-limiting beliefs
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Cultivate self-compassion and self-worth, and create a new narrative that aligns with your aspirations and values
This session is not just a theoretical exploration—it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for you to rewrite your own story, to shed the layers of self-doubt and embrace the limitless potential within you. Through this transformative journey, you will gain the clarity, confidence, and motivation to create a fulfilling life aligned with your true purpose.
From Nerves to Natural
Empowering Your Voice for Confident Communication
Are you tired of feeling nervous and insecure every time you have to speak in front of a crowd? Do you wish you could project confidence and captivate your audience with your authentic voice? Look no further! In this engaging session, you will gain practical strategies to eliminate nerves and deliver presentations with unwavering confidence.
Research has shown that within seconds, listeners form impressions about a leader's competence based on body language and vocal attributes. Your appearance and the way you sound can make a lasting impact on your audience's perception of you. But don't worry, there is solid evidence-backed guidance that David will share with you to exude confidence and competence, even if you're feeling nervous on the inside.
Discover the power of eye contact, open posture, and natural gestures to build trust and connection with your audience. Master the art of eliminating filler words, using impactful pauses, and varying your pace for maximum impact. This session is a must for anyone seeking to unleash their authentic voice, captivate their audience, and leave a lasting impression. Get ready to transform your speaking abilities and project confidence like never before!
Dancing for Emotional Wellbeing
Finding Joy, Connection, and Self-Expression on the Dance Floor
Get ready to immerse yourself in this transformative session, where you will discover the incredible power of dance to release stress, connect with others, and express your true self.
Join David as he shares his personal journey of how dancing became a therapeutic outlet for his father's mental health challenges and how it brought solace and authentic connection into his own life through listening to music and DJing.
Through dance, you'll tap into the physical and mental benefits, experiencing elevated levels of joy, reduced stress, improved balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Discover the power of dancing as a group activity, fostering a sense of connection, boosting self-esteem, and reducing social anxiety. Unleash your creativity, express your emotions, and even explore dance as a spiritual practice. Get ready to embrace the dance floor and embark on a journey of self-discovery, wellbeing, and pure happiness.
This session is not just about dancing; it's about unlocking the transformative power within you and living a life filled with joy, connection, and self-expression. Put on your dancing shoes and let’s embark on this incredible journey together!
BIO
David recognizes that true success in business goes beyond numbers and metrics. It lies in understanding the power of human connection, both with ourselves and with others. By delving into the realms of psychology, communication, and personal development, David offers transformative experiences that empower individuals to unlock their full potential.
With his engaging and dynamic presentations, he equips audiences with actionable tools and strategies to cultivate meaningful relationships within families, among friends, colleagues, or clients. David's passion is to leave everyone feeling revitalised, inspired, and ready to embrace new possibilities with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.
