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!
David is a highly engaging and inspirational speaker who truly understands how to emotionally connect with an audience. We have engaged David on several occasions to facilitate sessions for our Innovative Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programs and as a Coach with lived experience as Start-up Founder. The feedback received was off the scale: “Please can we ask that you invite David back to run our Hume City Council Youth Council Health and Wellness Hackathon in 2024 as he’s just the best!” – and you can’t get better than that.
- Catherine Klimeš, Program Manager, La Trobe University
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 this keynote, David invites audiences to break the silence around mental health at work by embracing the hidden strength of vulnerability. Through raw storytelling and practical tools, he challenges outdated notions of resilience and shows how compassion, curiosity and psychological safety create workplaces where people feel seen, heard and supported. By shifting from performance to presence, leaders and teams can unlock deeper trust, stronger collaboration and a culture of mental health that fuels authentic success.
What you'll walk away with:
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A deeper understanding of how vulnerability drives authentic connection and mental health at work
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Practical behaviours that help colleagues feel genuinely seen, heard and valued
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Tools to confidently navigate conversations about mental health with clarity and compassion
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Strategies to build trust, empathy and collaboration across teams
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Inspiration to create a workplace culture where people and performance can truly thrive​
Unmasking the Silent Struggle
Redefining Men's Mental Health
This keynote unpacks the silent crisis of men’s mental health: a struggle often hidden beneath the masks of strength and stoicism. David combines personal experience, research and compassion to challenge outdated cultural norms that discourage men from seeking help or showing vulnerability. By redefining masculinity and shining light on the barriers men face, he empowers audiences to create safe spaces where men can open up, build resilience and find strength in connection. With practical strategies and real-life stories, this keynote sparks vital conversations that can save lives and transform the way we support men’s wellbeing.
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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 more fulfilling lives.
Navigating the Storm
Cultivating Mental Wellness in Tertiary Students
Tertiary study is one of the most exciting (and most challenging) chapters of life. From moving away from home, managing money and navigating social pressures, to facing the amplified struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, students often find themselves vulnerable to stress, burnout and mental health difficulties. In this keynote, David draws on his personal journey and expertise to normalise these challenges, break down stigma and provide practical, relatable tools for resilience, self-care and balance. Through humour, storytelling and genuine connection, he helps students see that they are not alone - and that prioritising mental wellness is key to thriving both academically and personally.
What you’ll walk away with:
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A deeper understanding of the unique pressures students face and why mental wellness matters more than ever
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Practical tools to manage stress, build resilience and prioritise self-care
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Confidence to reach out for support and know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
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A renewed sense of balance between academic performance, personal wellbeing and social life
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The reassurance that you’re not alone in the struggle - and that thriving is possible with the right tools and mindset
Heart-Centred Leadership
Empowering Teams to Thrive and Create Impact
Leadership today demands more than strategy and intellect. It calls for authenticity, trust and empathy. In this keynote, David reveals the science and power of heart-centred leadership, showing how leading with openness and elevated emotion transforms teams and cultures. Drawing on neurocardiology research and his lived experience building Linkmate, he shares how embracing vulnerability, emotional intelligence and compassion creates stronger teams, fosters trust and inspires lasting impact. With real-world stories and practical insights, David empowers leaders to move beyond traditional models of authority and into a new paradigm where authenticity drives performance and purpose fuels success.
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What you'll walk away with:
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Science-backed insights into the heart-brain connection and how it shapes decision-making, wellbeing and emotional regulation
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Practical tools for cultivating emotional intelligence and creating deeper, more authentic team connections
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Strategies to build trust and psychological safety, leading to greater transparency, collaboration and resilience
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A new paradigm of leadership that shifts from command-and-control to authenticity and purpose-driven impact
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Real-life examples of how heart-centred leadership transforms culture, boosts morale and empowers teams to thrive
From Trauma to Triumph
The Journey of Overcoming Adversity
Adversity can break us down... or it can build us into something stronger than we ever imagined. In this keynote, David shares how trauma, pain and hardship can be transformed into resilience, wisdom and purpose. Weaving together the latest trauma research with his own lived experiences of loneliness, grief, workplace challenges and addiction, David brings a compassionate and hopeful perspective on turning wounds into sources of strength. Through powerful storytelling and practical tools, he shows audiences that their past does not define them and that triumph is possible when we choose healing, growth and self-discovery.
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What you’ll walk away with:
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Deeper insight into how trauma and adversity shape behaviour, relationships and self-perception
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Practical healing tools to process challenges and reframe past struggles as catalysts for resilience
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Storytelling strategies to connect authentically, inspire empathy and foster healing in yourself and others
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A renewed perspective that your past does not determine your future - you have the power to rewrite your story
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Inspiration to embrace growth, using adversity as a stepping stone to fulfilment, impact and authentic living
Unleashing the Power of Your Self-Image
How Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality
Your self-image is the blueprint of your life. It quietly determines how you think, feel and act every single day. In this keynote, David shows how the stories we carry from the past can become self-imposed limits and how rewriting those stories unlocks extraordinary growth. Drawing on his own transformation from a self-image of worthlessness to one of resilience and possibility, as well as evidence-based research from Psycho-Cybernetics, David equips audiences with practical tools to break free from limiting beliefs. This empowering session is a call to action: to step into a self-image aligned with your highest aspirations and begin living with clarity, confidence and purpose.
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What you’ll walk away with
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Clarity on the self-image connection - how your beliefs shape your identity, decisions and reality
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Awareness of hidden patterns - uncovering subconscious stories that limit your potential
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Practical strategies to rewire - tools to rewrite your self-image and step into abundance and possibility
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Freedom from self-doubt - methods to identify and release limiting beliefs that no longer serve you
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Greater self-worth - cultivating compassion, confidence and a new narrative that reflects your true power and values
My promise to you
I believe 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, I offer transformative experiences that empower individuals to unlock their full potential.
With my engaging and dynamic presentations, I equip audiences with actionable tools and strategies to cultivate meaningful relationships within families, among friends, colleagues or clients. My promise to you is to leave everyone feeling revitalised, inspired and equipped with practical tools to embrace new possibilities with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.
