Speakers

Nadine Champion

Nadine Champion is an inspiring speaker, author and martial artist who truly knows what it means to use “10 Seconds of Courage” to overcome obstacles and reach her potential.

She is a highly sought-after speaker and mindset coach who works with individuals, organisations and corporations to foster their courage, adapt positively to change and develop resilience.

Nadine has built a strong reputation as a high-performance mindset coach and storyteller, known for offering practical tools via memorable anecdotes. She passes on the lessons learnt from years of elite performance under immense pressure when conducting keynote speeches, specialised workshops and ongoing corporate programs.

The central principle of the 10 Seconds of Courage message is that action must be combined with knowledge. Nadine lives the concepts she is devoted to sharing with others, so they can move forward from allowing fear to create missed opportunities in their personal and professional lives.

Dr Lila Landowski

Dr. Lila Landowski is a multi-award winning neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania, and a Director of Science and Technology Australia. She is a regular guest expert science communicator for the ABC, a keynote speaker at Saxton Speakers, and is a Fides health ambassador for the World Health Organisation. Her research spans various areas including stroke, nanotechnology, and nerve regeneration, and she has taught in diverse fields such as medicine, nursing, biotechnology and science over the last 15 years.

Lila has a strong personal focus on community health and wellbeing, making the wonderful world of science more accessible to the community through radio, TV, public talks and in print and digital media. The TEDx speakers’ achievements include receiving the Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year and an AIPS Young Tall Poppy award, as well as being a finalist for an Australian Museum Eureka Award and Young Australian of the Year. She was featured in the documentary “ Catching Opportunity,” and has appeared in two episodes of ABC’s new docuseries Secret Science (Brain training and The Senses). Lila was named one of ABC Science Show’s Top 100 Scientists, and was named as one of Australia’s top 20 Scientists by the Herald Sun.

A leading voice in STEM and advocacy, Lila holds honorary titles such as “Superstar of STEM,” and has been an ambassador for public school education, a Patron of Science, and was named a “Science superhero” by Australia’s Chief Scientist.

As a neuroscientist, Lila’s research expertise is in axon guidance, neural repair mechanisms and therapeutic development for nerve damage. In 2014, after completing her PhD at the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, Lila trained at the Peripheral Nerve lab at the Mayo Clinic to cement her status as an emerging leader in the field of peripheral nerve injury. She was recruited to teach and coordinate neuroscience units at the Wicking Dementia Centre at the same time. In recent years, her research focus has shifted from peripheral neuropathy to stroke and fatigue. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Professor David Howells. For several months (from August 2016 - April 2017), Lila spent time as a visiting scholar at the Florey Institute’s Melbourne Brain Centre (Austin Hospital, Melbourne), developing surgical skills and a novel model of stroke to bring back to UTAS. With the support of a $450,000 investment from the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, her foremost research goal is to transform the success of pre-clinical stroke research.

Lila has taught into courses at the University of Tasmania for 15 years, working across various subjects for Medicine, Medical Research, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Science, Nursing, Dementia Care and Paramedicine She has been awarded two of the university’s highest honours; a Vice Chancellors citation for early career teaching, and a Vice Chancellors citation for community engagement.

Lila has a strong personal focus on the importance of science communication, public outreach, and community health and well-being.

Anthony Laye

Behaviour Expert, Anthony Laye has an exceptional ability to understand how we think and behave. His tagline 'I know what you're thinking' is the essence of his presentations that aim to empower individuals and organisations with powerful tools for success.

Through Anthony's insights, you can elevate your professional communication to stand out, win trust and amplify your influence. What could you achieve if you knew the secret to reading people and influence their thoughts and choices?

Imagine becoming so attuned to your customers' needs that you can deliver experiences that far exceed their expectations. Picture leading inspired, engaged teams that represent your organisation with passion and excellence, transforming your brand's presence in the marketplace.

But there's more to Anthony than just reading and influencing people. He also shows you how to understand and influence the way you are thinking too, so you can build more self-confidence and awareness.

By mastering these techniques, you will achieve stronger connections, more productive collaborations, and a level of leadership that truly resonates.

Anthony Laye knows what you're thinking. And now, he's ready to share this remarkable skill with you and your organisation.

Matt McDonald

Matt McDonald is a dynamic leader and visionary whose career spans across the corporate, education and maritime sectors. Currently the CEO of the Searoad Ferries Group, Matt is renowned for his strategic acumen, innovative mindset, and unparalleled leadership abilities.

With a background as a ship's captain, Matt has navigated some of the most challenging waters across the globe, commanding vessels through unpredictable and often perilous conditions. His firsthand experience at sea gives him a unique perspective on leadership, one that values resilience, quick decisionmaking, crisis management and an unwavering commitment to his crew's safety and success.

In the corporate arena, Matt has successfully leveraged his maritime expertise to transform Searoad Ferries into a leading player in the Australian tourism and maritime industries. Under his leadership, the company has embraced cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, setting new benchmarks for customer service, infrastructure delivery, operational efficiency, and community stewardship.

Matt’s innovative leadership approach is reflected in his numerous contributions to change and shape the maritime and tourism industries, both through his role as CEO, various board roles and strategic engagements.

As the Chair of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Matt is celebrated for his guidance and resilience during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt led the tourism industry in the world’s most locked down city, implementing innovative strategies and complex organisational change to ensuring the industry's survival and laying the groundwork for a robust recovery.

Matt is an energetic and insightful speaker, his insights on leadership, strategy, crisis management and innovation are relevant with audiences around the world. His captivating storytelling, drawn from real-life experiences at sea and in the boardroom, offers valuable lessons on navigating complex challenges and driving transformative change.

Matt holds a Ships Master’s license and an MBA, along with degrees in marine science and education. He is also a board member on several industry associations, where he continues to advocate for the advancement of the maritime and tourism industries. Matt is the Chair of the Waypoint Foundation, a charity dedicated to youth development onboard Tall Ships, building resilience, leadership, teamwork and mental health outcomes for young people.

Whether charting the course of a vessel through stormy seas or guiding a leading corporation through challenging times, Matt exemplifies the essence of strategic leadership and innovation. His profound impact on the maritime and tourism sectors underscores his reputation as a trailblazer and an inspiring leader.

Mark Visser

Mark Visser is a globally recognised expert in leadership, mindset, and workplace culture. For over 15 years, he has worked with some of the world’s most successful individuals, elite sports teams, and business groups, helping them unlock peak performance through emotional intelligence, resilience, and high-impact strategies.

His clients include 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, Steph Gilmore, members of the Australian SAS, US Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes, AFL premiership teams, elite coaches, and leading companies across a range of business sectors.

As professional big wave surfer, Mark made history by surfing the notorious 40–50ft waves at Jaws (Pe‘ahi), Maui—in complete darkness. This world-first achievement, known globally as Night Rider, cemented his reputation for pushing physical, mental, and emotional boundaries.

As a speaker, Mark is known for his humility, infectious energy, and authentic storytelling. He shares the behind-the-scenes journey of achieving what many believed was impossible—offering powerful insights into human potential, strategy, and the role of belief in performance.

His keynote presentations feature stunning visual content and are tailored to each audience to ensure the right message is delivered for every event. Mark helps people connect with their ultimate self, empowering them to innovate, perform, and become the best version of themselves.