STILL ALIVE and
KICKING
Gill Hicks and Julian Ferraretto
Adelaide Fringe 2024, 23 Feb 5:00pm Woodville Town Hall
(DR) Gill Hicks AM MBE
Hicks is a powerful, life-affirming, and memorable speaker whose life symbolizes transformative possibilities, impacting and inspiring audiences worldwide. Despite enduring permanent injury and losing both legs in the 2005 London terrorist bombings, she vowed to Do More than Survive and devote her efforts to communicating the wonder and awe of the Human spirit.
Through her groundbreaking work, The Fragile Project, Hicks explores a position that transcends traditional concepts of resilience, encouraging a fundamental shift in how we approach change. Rather than merely surviving adversity, she advocates for becoming Agile within a Fragile existence – accepting change as an omnipresent part of life's journey.
Drawing from 20 years of lived experience, Hicks has developed a transformative methodology. This powerful framework goes beyond conventional resilience, offering a practical approach to finding opportunity within adversity and flexibility within change. The Fragile Project represents a deeper exploration of our collective ability to embrace change in all forms, fostering an agile mindset that helps us navigate life's complexities with greater stability and positivity.
“Gill’s injuries far from define her.
Gill is an inspiring story of human connection, the value of community and the power inside all of us. She’s just incredible.”
Michael Baulch,
Vice President & Managing Director, ANZ at Boston Scientific.
Awarded and recognised with doctorates from London Metropolitan, Kingston and the University of South Australia, an MBE and AM, Gill brings her experience from a respected and expansive UK career within Design and the Arts to champion critical thinking, particularly within the areas of violent extremism.
Combining lived experience and design thinking, her unique methodology for navigating and enveloping change is at the core of each presentation.Exploring the fragility of our existence and highlighting our strength and ability to live and grow within uncertainty is where Gill cuts through and encourages a new way of thinking, of being and flourishing.
‘spell-bound’ and ‘life changing’ are common responses from audiences of 10,000 to small teams, her carefully crafted messaging leaves a lasting impression.
“Outstanding conference speaker, skilled storyteller, incredible human. Thanks Gill!
Her talk at TEDxSydney at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in 2016 has been viewed millions of times on ted.com and I also worked with her for Xerocon 2018 where she captivated the audience of 3,000+ people.”
Fenella Kernebone,
Head of Conference Programming - SXSW Sydney
B E L I E V E
Just because I can’t feel the ground,
doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Exploring Agility within a Fragile existence
Unlocking Empathy, Innovation, and Transformation in the Workplace
In this thought-provoking keynote, we'll explore how accepting our shared fragility can become a wellspring of empathy and understanding. Learn why acknowledging our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities is the first step towards meaningful change and innovation in the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
Techniques for cultivating a culture of openness and shared vulnerability
How to use acceptance as a springboard for creativity, problem-solving, and compassion
Strategies for leaders to model acceptance and inspire their teams to embrace fragility
The Triple A Effect
Transform How You
Navigate Change
Discover how the AAA methodology can revolutionise your organisation's approach to change by harnessing the power of shared vulnerability. This keynote will introduce you to a powerful framework that turns perceived weaknesses into sources of strength. Attendees will learn how to foster a culture of empathy, interconnectedness, and continuous growth, enabling your organisation to thrive amidst uncertainty and constant change.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the interconnected nature of Accept, Adjust, and Adapt in relation to our shared fragility.
Strategies for implementing AAA across all levels of your organisation to create a more compassionate workplace.
Tools for measuring and nurturing organisational empathy and interconnectedness.
Creating the New
The Power of
Understanding Adaptability
This keynote explores the power of adaptation through the lens of interconnectedness. Learn how to create an environment where continuous learning, evolution, and empathy are not just encouraged but embedded in your organisational DNA. We'll discuss how to turn adaptation into a catalyst for creating a more compassionate world, starting with your workplace.
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and empathy
How to leverage adaptation for long-term sustainability and growth while nurturing compassion
Tools for measuring and accelerating your organisation's capacity for empathy and positive change
Clients and Partners
Some of Gill’s clients and partners past and present:
“Most importantly Gill has a razor sharp wit and is really fun to work with.
Having worked closely with Gill for 8+ years now, I cannot emphasise enough what an authentic, professional and compassionate human Gill is - her ability to genuinely connect with the client to create a unique, world class presentation every time is truly outstanding.”
Carol Pederson,
Senior Consultant at Saxton Speaker’s Bureau.
“Gill Hicks is the most fascinating guest I've ever had on my program.
Gill's ability to discover moments of kindness and insight (and even humour) in her ordeal is astonishing.
Richard Fidler,
Conversations Host, ABC Radio.
“This was hands down one, of the most powerful and inspiring talks I've had the privilege of listening.
Gill crafted an intimate space to deliver her keynote for The Business Institute's quarterly Lecture Theatre Series which was held via national broadcast. The feedback we received during and post the event highlighted the genuine connection Gill was able to make with our audience through her own powerful story which was delivered with deep insight and empathy for the human spirit. I loved Gill's sentiments about; trusting yourself , My Wisdom CV and the importance of continuing - no matter what!! I can highly recommend engaging Gill to present for any and all levels within your organisation.”
Katy Gompes,
Senior Manager, Innovation Partnerships, Westpac.
Speaking
Enquiries
20
Years
Living
Differently
Stay
Connected
M.A.D.
This wonderful acronym for Making A Difference is at the core of every piece of work, indeed it is the mantra by which I live.
My reason to be is driven by communicating the inherent and powerful bonds that link us and the transformational ability that each of us, each Human Being holds to make a positive difference - for each other and the world we live in.
Through keynote presentations, visual art, performance or writing, the ambition is always to leave a lasting footprint, an impression that will move minds and offer the space to consider Life and Living your legacy, professionally and personally.
Working across Corporate and Government platforms I’ve found the ‘action’ is as crucial as ‘the words’, leading by example should be our default setting. One of the most profound pieces of Leading by Example for me was when I walked ( on prosthetic legs ) from Leeds in Yorkshire to London - some 275 kms - covering 22 towns and cities along the way. I urged people to come and walk and talk to those they didn’t know and to discover points of connection rather than difference.
Equally, the campaign ‘HMANTY’ Needs ‘U’ and ‘I’ followed as an outcome from a month walking and talking to 1,000’s of people.
From challenging conversations within the counter extremism field, to engaging business leaders to re think their strategies for Change management, making a lasting difference is the goal.
Insight
Sharing the wisdom and insights from an extraordinary and continuing Lived Experience.
Facing death, indeed not having a pulse for 30 minutes, has offered a depth and unique appreciation for Life.
I am in awe of our ability to continue, to rebuild and draw upon a strength that perhaps lays dormant until its needed. It is this observation that started my curiosity with how we live within a fragile existence.
Where there is Life, there is Hope..