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WARREN MACDONALD

Double-amputee Elite Mountain Climber



Warren Macdonald's boundaries were redefined in 1997 while climbing Hinchinbrook Island's tallest peak, when he became trapped beneath a one-ton slab boulder in a freak rock fall accident.

Two days later he was rescued, only to undergo the amputation of both legs at mid-thigh. Ten months later he climbed Tasmania's Cradle Mountain using a modified wheelchair and the seat of his pants. In 2003, Warren became the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak.

He is also the only above-knee amputee to make an ascent of the Weeping Wall, Canada's landmark frozen waterfall, and more recently, in a spectacular effort requiring more than 2800 pull-ups over four days, he made history once again in an ascent of El Capitan, America's tallest cliff face.

He is the author of best-seller "A Test of Will", featured on a series on the Discovery Channel. His film "The Second Step", documenting the epic four-week journey to Federation Peak, has been acclaimed worldwide, screening on National Geographic and winning eight international awards.

Warren Macdonald has been featured on numerous news and current affairs programs, including Larry King Live and The Oprah Winfrey Show. He has written articles for CNN's World Edition, Australian Geographic, Speaking of Impact and Professional Speaker magazine, among others.

Warren Macdonald tailors each presentation to the needs of his audience and is not limited to the topics listed below. Please ask us about any subject that interests you:

  • Leadership
  • Personal Growth
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Perseverance and Determination

The Power of Perception: Building a Breakthrough Mindset

Overview

If we can’t see where it is we need to go, what are our chances of getting there? If your team or your members can’t see where you’re going, what are the chances they’ll get onboard?

In navigating change, and overcoming the challenges that come with it, we need to address the foundation; the root cause of why we often get stuck or disengaged, and that is, how we perceive change in the first place.

Expected Outcomes

This keynote presentation is designed to hit “reset” on how your team sees their role in your organization. Expect them to come away empowered, engaged, inspired and ready to take action. They’ll begin to see challenges and opportunities with fresh perspectives and renewed vision.

Key Takeaways

  • An understanding of the incredible importance of mindset, and how perception is the most important factor when it comes to limiting, or improving, our performance.
  • Specific tools and techniques to help break through the barriers that limit us.
  • How to develop strategies to counter inevitable setbacks that always come when pursuing big goals.

Return on Resilience: Bouncing Back is just the Beginning 

Overview

If COVID has taught us anything, it's that we can never have too much resilience... As things get back to "normal", we'll want to continue our resilience practice to fortify ourselves against future curveballs; setting ourselves up to take advantage of opportunities that come our way post pandemic.

This keynote presentation focuses on what we can do to prepare for our challenges in advance. On how we can fortify ourselves against the curveballs and roadblocks before they happen by practicing resilience.

Expected Outcomes

This keynote presentation is designed to move your team from “I can’t” to “Bring it!” To instill the understanding that by facing our challenges; seeking them out even, we build the strength and resilience required when bigger problems come our way.

Key Takeaways

  • An understanding of how resilience is banked, and is transferable across all areas of our lives.
  • Specific tools and techniques to build resilience.
  • Learn that “Bouncing Back” is just the beginning. By practicing resilience, we position ourselves to Bounce Forward towards our goals.
     

The Challenge of Change: Finding Opportunity in Adversity 

Overview

We’ve all heard it a million times; “change is constant”, “the only certainty in life is change”, “change or perish”. We all know it; what we need is for someone to show us how to deal with it. Warren’s “Challenge of Change” presentation will help your group realize that challenges brought on by change hold endless opportunities for innovation and personal and professional growth. That it’s the challenges we face that build the resilience we need as we’re asked to do more, with less . . . That it is possible to not just survive, but to thrive despite adversity.

Expected Outcomes

You’ll learn to see change as an inevitable, ongoing process that we’re all engaged with; not just something that “happens to us”. That by changing the way we see change, changes everything… You’ll never look at adversity in the same way again.

Key Takeaways

  • Foster the ability to recognize and breakthrough mental barriers to change.
  • Tools to build resilience for both business and personal growth.
  • A powerful shift in thinking that will put challenges into perspective.
  • Develop a breakthrough mindset that seeks solutions and opportunities.
     

One Step Beyond: Setting and Reaching Impossible Goals

Overview

It’s all well and good to set seemingly impossible goals; the kind that has your team looking at you like you’re nuts. Like this time you’ve really lost it . . . You need them to see what you see. You need to convince them, to inspire your team to follow you. To show them what is possible when you’re prepared to go One Step Beyond...

  • Beyond ordinary
  • Beyond conventional
  • Beyond perceived limitations


Expected Outcomes

You can expect your team to become engaged in raising the performance bar. Carol Gardibie sums it up best in her testimonial below.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinforced understanding of the power of purpose, i.e.: when we have purpose, we have an edge...
  • The ability to see obstacles as stepping-stones toward our goals.
  • A clear understanding of the importance of preparation in reaching your goals.