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“In trauma and struggle there is growth and learning. In failures and setbacks there is growth and learning.” - Chris Blowes

Chris Blowes is an authentic and engaging Keynote Speaker who takes his audience on an honest journey through the highs and lows of before, during and after the shark attack.

Chris’s thought provoking presentation is accompanied by a series of impressive visuals which will give you the key take-aways to help motivate you through moments of hardship and inspire you to achieve your goals. Through his lived experiences, Chris shares how our limiting mindsets can be preventing us from reaching our full potential and how true growth ultimately lies in pushing your boundaries and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Speaking to the following themes of adapting to change, overcoming fear, celebrating failures and mental wellbeing Chris will capture the audiences attention from beginning to end.

“There were parts of his incredible story that made the hairs on my arm stand to attention” - Daniel Palumbo

“We have had so much positive feedback from both students and teachers” -St michael’s college

 

“It’s very rare that you come across someone who can render any audience speecheless”- Callum macpherson

“Chris’ presentation is honest and authentic. his friendly and open personality made him an ideal presenter for our event” - master builders association

What people are saying

  • “For me Chris’s story resonates on many levels. Of course his survival was extraordinary, but that was largely out of his hands. The courage shown on the day of the shark attack can be credited to his surfing mates. The skill and tenacity demonstrated is a tribute to the many health professionals involved. Where Chris had to step up was from the moment he awoke from the sedation in the hospital ICU. His recovery and rehab is a wonderful tale of mental strength and willpower. To finally return to his highly physical work as a builder and to resume his surfing is a measure of his character. And in his telling of the story in a typically understated, laconic Aussie fashion, there is a message for all of us about the power of positivity.”

    Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

    2019 Joint Australian of the Year

  • "We had Chris speak at our recent team building event and his life story was interesting, inspirational and well presented. He held the attention of the audience throughout the speech and the number of people who engaged in the Q&A afterwards was testament to how much they were invested in his story. Our team members were still talking about Chris’s speech days later, saying it was inspiring and thought provoking. We would recommend Chris to anyone looking for an inspirational speaker."

    Suzi Adams

    Maxima Training Group (Aust) Limited

  • “Chris spoke with real emotion and humanity. There were parts of his incredible story that made the hairs on my arm stand to attention. Surviving the shark attack itself was simply the beginning of a truly inspirational come back and rebuild of his whole way of life. To say I was inspired and moved by what Chris has achieved is an understatement. With a view to continue doing the things he loved (like surfing) after being told it was not going to be possible is a real lesson in strength, courage, persistence, love and perseverance. All qualities of a great leader and a remarkable human being.”

    Daniel Palumbo

    President of Urban Development Institute of Australia

    Director of Palumbo Constructions

  • “Chris’s presentation is honest and authentic. His story is remarkable and his strength and determination admirable. His friendly and open personality made him an ideal presenter for our event.”

    Ilona Tamm

    Master Builders Association of South Australia Pty Ltd.

  • “Chris is a wonderful speaking talent with a great heart and a tremendously powerful story. Having survived the most horrific ordeal imaginable, his willingness to relive the terror he faced and share his experience for the sole purpose of helping others is incredibly inspiring. It’s very rare that you come across someone who can render any audience speechless, regardless of who they are and you can guarantee anyone who hears Chris present will leave feeling more grateful to be alive.”

    Callum MacPherson

    YOUNG BLOOD MEN’S HEALTH MATTERS

    (Best Wellbeing Podcast 2020)

  • “Chris has an amazing story of courage that is sure to inspire. For him to survive that attack was nothing short of a miracle - I’m in awe of his guts and determination. Also, the support and love of Chris’s friends and family to help with his rehabilitation and getting back to work as a carpenter and returning to surfing will give you goose bumps and restore your faith in the human race.”

    Will Frogley

    CEO Master Builders Association SA Inc

  • “Chris is someone who I have always had a great respect for - he is sincere, genuine and kind. However, he has an underlying spirit and determination that requires anyone regardless of their place in the world; to stand up and take notice! Who he is shines through when he shares his experience that is awe inspiring! Chris shares the memories with a raw eye and a fresh humbleness that is rare and one senses, it’s the people that Chris was connected to on that day and everyday for that matter, that allows him to share with such truth and spirit! I would recommend Chris to any organisation, team or event that wanted to cut through the heart of what really matters - determination, friendship and love! Chris and what Chris represents is qualities that remind us of all the positive things of humanity…”

    Kris Massie

    Former Carlton and Adelaide Crows Football Club Player in the Australian Football League.

    Chi PT (Personal Trainer)

  • "Chris Blowes was an exceptional keynote speaker for our Business Awards night. From the moment he took to the microphone he had the whole audience captivated by his remarkable story. Audience members went on a journey with him as he not only spoke about overcoming adversity but how he overcame his fear of failure to regain his life and ultimately find a deeper purpose in his trauma. The feedback has been overwhelming with audience members commenting on how touched they were by his inspirational story and still speaking about it for the following days. I would highly recommend Chris for any corporate events, he will not only engage your audience but instigate thought provoking content suitable for all audience members."

    Sharni-Marie Barney

    Chair Port Lincoln Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

  • “Our community was privileged to hear first hand Chris’s story and the amazing journey Chris and his family have been on since surviving his shark attack.  Whether Chris lived or not that day was largely out of his control, but his determination and will to live was what he could control. His story of that day and the weeks and months that followed are amazing to listen to and truly inspiring. His message to those facing adversity and fear is one to be remembered and resonates with our group and our work as a Suicide Prevention Network.  So no matter what the odds, never give up.”

    John Treloar

    Chairperson-Cummins Suicide Prevention Network.

    Volunteer Team Leader SA Ambulance Service- Cummins

  • “Amazing! It made such an impact and was so relevant to students and adults alike, a great session to question our perspective on life.”

    NAZARETH COLLEGE

  • “A thoroughly captivating story of grit, determination and courage in the face of adversity. In an engaging, matter-of-fact style, Chris and partner Chloe share the real challenges and triumphs of their inspirational journey following his shark attack in 2015. (Aspects of this being highlighted with some great images and short video clips). I have seen Chris present to our whole staff, and to our Year 12 cohort, with exceptional feedback following both presentations. I highly recommend Chris as a motivational speaker who will inspire persistence to overcome any obstacles. His lived experience speaks as much as his words!”

    Andrew Day

    Senior School Wellbeing Leader

    CORNERSTONE COLLEGE

  • “Chris' inspirational story had our students absolutely captivated. His journey of survival allowed our students to consider how they can shift their mindset to overcome their personal challenges to achieve success.”

    Jason Schutt

    Assistant Principal: Director of Wellbeing for Learning

    NORWOOD MORIALTA HIGH SCHOOL

  • "Thanks to a grant from the Libraries Board of SA & the Government of SA, we and neighbouring Cleve School Community Library, were able to host the co-author of Caught Inside, Chris Blowes. It was by far the most popular event we have held at our little library and the feedback has been nothing short of amazing. Chris & his wife Chloe, spoke to both our Yr 7 -12 students and our community. During the school session, the lunch bell went and not a single student moved or looked at teachers to go. Chris & Chloe adapted their talk for students and centered on gratitude, overcoming fears and getting out of your comfort zone. The kids were so engaged and asked question after question, and Chris & Chloe happily answered every single one. An hour & 15mins flew by. Our community session was incredibly well received. People are pulling us aside at work & in the street to thank us for organising the event, and Cleve's feedback was exactly the same. Chris & Chloe shared their story of not just the shark attack, but also the rehabilitation roller coaster that follows. They were refreshingly honest about their journey of overcoming adversity, living with trauma and rebuilding their lives."

    Nicole Turner

    Cowell School and Community Library

  • "Ceduna Area School and the wider Ceduna community had the privilege of attending a presentation by Chris Blowes who recently shared his story of survival and resilience in the face of adversity after a shark attack.  Not only did Chris survive his terrifying ordeal with a shark but he managed to turn the experience into a positive force to change his life and the lives of others.  The presentation was filled with valuable insights and practical advice on how to overcome challenges.  Those that attended acknowledged Chris's courage and vulnerability in sharing his story and commented how it had assisted them with their own trauma and grief. I would highly recommend attending a presentation by Chris as his story is truly inspiring. The message of hope and perseverance is something that everyone can benefit from hearing."

    Paula Marks

    Ceduna Community Library

  • "We have had SO much positive feedback from both students and teachers. Thank you for sharing your story with our community. it was a very powerful presentation."

    Jane Edwards

    Year 11 Director Secondary Campus

  • Congratulations and well done on the highly motivational, inspirational and well received presentation. The way our students received and listened to you was a testament to their interest and the questions asked were deeply considered. Your presentation was a real life experience and captured their attention and respect from the start to finish.

    Ian Macgowan

    Teacher