Paralympic swimmer, internationally recognised fine artist and author — four swimming world records across three Games
Gregory Burns has competed and exhibited around the world for more than 30 years, and in both arenas he has done something remarkable: turned his limitations into the very engine of his excellence. A multi-gold medallist who set four swimming world records while competing at the Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney Paralympic Games, Gregory has also built a parallel career as an internationally recognised fine artist, with exhibitions across 15 countries and the 2016 Sports Artist of the Year Award from the United States Sports Academy.
Holding a BA in Communications Studies and a Master of Fine Art, and educated in Europe, America and Asia, Gregory brings an unusual breadth to the speaking platform. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and has been featured on CNN, BBC, CNBC, ESPN, CNA and CCTV, as well as in Time Magazine, the Asian Wall Street Journal and China Daily. He has published three books, in English and Mandarin. After turning 48, he completed numerous IronMan events — a reminder that his view of limits is genuinely different from most.
His keynotes are multi-media experiences — dramatic visuals, video footage, and a storytelling style that challenges audiences to question their own assumptions and excuses. He draws on Joseph Campbell's writings on the Hero's Journey to help people understand where they are and where they need to go. For teams that need a genuine jolt of perspective, Gregory delivers it.
Gregory Burns is a keynote speaker based overseas who speaks on diversity & inclusion, inspiration and mental health & wellbeing. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Sharing frank and personal experiences as a Paralympian and entrepreneur, Gregory Burns stresses the winner’s mindset that challenges the status quo while being deaf to doubts which might dissuade us from pursuing what we know is right. He insists that what defines and distinguishes people is how they leverage and make the most of their limitations and maximize what they do have. Gregory acknowledges both mental and physical well-being are critical and shares his strategies to achieve them. In life, as in business, naming and taming issues while asking for support can be key.
Learn the secrets of Gregory Burns’ success as a Paralympic Gold Medalist and internationally acclaimed contemporary painter. See first-hand how sports and arts are effective grounding tools, that helped him build inner strength and actualize his best self. Discover the creative process behind bespoke artworks created specifically for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Exploring a holistic view of one's activities both personally and professionally, Gregory shares how he manages the trials of keeping his body, mind and spirit in top shape. He challenges us to identify our core rituals, which generate energy in our lives and help each of us deal with the tests we face daily.
Referencing Joseph Campbell’s seminal writings on the ‘Hero’s Journey’, this presentation identifies 4 stages of life that all humans transition through as they reach their highest potential. Knowing where we are on our own Hero’s Journey helps us know where to go next and feel confident with the pattern and purpose that drives our lives. As Campbell advises, “The cave we fear to enter holds the treasure that we seek”.
Greg has done an outstanding job with our team sharing important life and leadership skills to deal with challenges, overcome and be successful. Highly motivating for all our staff and for several with one on one coaching sessions which has made a noticeable difference. Thank you very much Greg.CTO, Temasek
I have seen a lot of motivational speakers in my years, and I am quite certain that your talk will stand the test of time with my organization as having left a real solid imprint.President, Procter & Gamble, ASEAN/Australasia/India
Your tenacity and perseverance in pursuing excellence in arts and sports is a reminder to all of us that we should not impose mental limitations on ourselves and to keep trying. Your session was very successful and you were able to engage our agency force because you are very genuine.AVP, Head of Marketing Services & Events, Manulife
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