From elite athlete to paraplegic to pilot — resilience expert whose TEDx talk has reached millions
Janine Shepherd AM went from elite athlete to paraplegic to pilot — a story of radical transformation. After a life-changing accident, she rebuilt not just her body but her entire sense of self, becoming a living, flying embodiment of what's possible when we dare to rise. She is the author of six best-selling books, her story was made into an award-winning film, and her TEDx talk, A Broken Body Isn't a Broken Person, has reached millions of people worldwide.
Her iconic mantra — "If I can't walk, I'll fly" — has become a global symbol of resilience. Janine redefines what it means to face adversity, empowering people to rewrite their own stories with courage and conviction. While her story is extraordinary, her message is universal: with humour, vulnerability and deep insight, she invites audiences to see challenge not as the end, but as the beginning of who they might become.
Janine has delivered countless keynotes across the globe, from corporate boardrooms to classrooms and everywhere in between — and the results speak for themselves. Clients report standing ovations, the highest speaker ratings in their conference history, and audiences left energised, humbled and ready for the challenges ahead. For conference keynotes, leadership events and any audience facing change or uncertainty, Janine Shepherd doesn't just deliver inspiration — she creates change, leaving people uplifted, empowered and ready to turn setbacks into strength.
Janine Shepherd AM is a keynote speaker based in New South Wales who speaks on inspiration, mental health & wellbeing and resilience. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
While Janine's story is extraordinary, her message is universal. She was able to connect with our audience and drive home the concepts of gratitude, perseverance, and addressing challenges with grace and a positive attitude. As our opening keynote speaker, our attendees left the session energized, humbled, and ready to attack the challenges ahead of our industry. Following her keynote, Janine met with attendees in our exhibit hall and completed a book signing. The sponsor of the program had a line at their booth to meet Janine that extended well past the closing of the hall. Thank you Janine, you have set the bar for all future keynote speakers!Chief Operating Officer, National Home Infusion Association
Amazing, inspirational, remarkable! The measure of Janine's real impact was best demonstrated by the fact that Janine was the recipient of a standing ovation- the first ever afforded to a speaker in or fifteen-year history of conferences. The results of a survey of our Conference speakers fully vindicated our choice of Janine opening our Conference, with Janine recording the highest ever rating for a Guest Speaker!Prudential
Janine is a change agent. She has an extraordinary ability to ignite people's spirits and move them to find the real potential of their lives; her story inspires people around the worldDeepak Chopra
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