Australia's first MasterChef winner — on mental health, family and finding what matters.
Julie Goodwin became a household name as the first winner of MasterChef Australia, and built a successful career in cookbooks, restaurants and television. What she has spoken about openly in recent years — her mental health, hospitalisation, recovery and the long road back to herself — is the story that now resonates most with corporate audiences.
Julie's keynotes are warm, direct and unguarded in the way that only comes from having lived through the chapter you're describing. She speaks about the warning signs she missed, the systems that helped her, and what she'd do differently with the benefit of hindsight. The conversation lands particularly well in wellbeing programs, leadership events focused on psychological safety, and women's events where the audience values honesty over polish.
She's also a natural communicator and very strong on stage — comfortable with audience interaction, capable of mixing serious content with the relatability that built her career, and reliably warm in the room. Suited to in-person and virtual events alike.
Julie Goodwin is a keynote speaker and entertainer based in New South Wales who speaks on inspiration and mental health & wellbeing. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
This keynote is for personal development and team wellbeing. It is for organisations wanting to foster good mental health practises in the workplace and in the personal lives of their people. Living life to the full – what does it really mean, and are we even close to achieving it?
This keynote is about Julie’s life before, during and after MasterChef; navigating the change from a private to a very public life and the opportunities and challenges that came with it. She speaks candidly about the wheels falling off and finding herself a client of the mental health system, and the resources that needed to be brought to bear to find her way back to a fully lived life. Within these stories she explores the very relatable themes that touch all of us to some degree.
* Busyness and happiness are not the same thing.
* Setting boundaries, why it’s essential and how to do it.
* Questioning the long-held beliefs that prevent us from asking for help.
* Honesty about needing a hand is not a weakness, it’s a superpower.
* Drawing the straight line between looking after yourself, and being present to others.
* Healing takes time, and work, and is totally worth it.
This keynote will empower the audience to take steps toward a healthy, fully lived life, and equip them with the tools to recognise when help is needed for the people around them and for themselves.
This keynote is for professional and personal development; it if for business or community leaders or those wanting to develop leadership skills. “Proceed as if success is inevitable.” As a business owner, this was Julie’s daily mantra.
But what happens when your definition of success seems to run off the rails? What does success look like, anyway, and how do we know when we’ve achieved it? In this keynote Julie talks MasterChef, business, public life and how all the outwardly visible signs of success may not equate to fulfilment or happiness. This keynote explores answers to the questions – how do you find your vision, your passion and purpose? How do you live according to your guiding principles, and inspire others to do the same?
It explores the themes:
* Leading with clarity, compassion and curiosity.
* Allowing others to step up and shine – permission to be your best.
* Viewing obstacles as opportunities.
* Redefining success - there are more ways to win than beating everyone else.
Funny, honest and thought-provoking, Julie will bring a new perspective to the idea of leadership in your organsiation.
This is a keynote for businesses wanting to improve corporate culture and contribute to their broader communities; for NGOs, government departments and consulting bodies charged with bringing people together and fostering belonging and good health. Food is something many of us enjoy, and all of us need – but could it also be the answer to many of the world’s ills? Weaving tales of MasterChef with experiences of charity and community work dating back to the 1980s, this keynote explores the idea of connectedness and community; of how societal health, physical and mental health are all interwoven.
Julie’s work with vulnerable people, including in Australian homeless shelters, in communities in developing nations, with children in the care of the state, and now with incarcerated youth, finds her with a wealth of experience that shines a light on the importance of connectedness and belonging. And specifically, how food is a bridge between us, something that all of humanity has in common.
She brings all of her passion for cooking to this conversation, and how creating meals – and mealtimes that matter - is more than just nutrition for our bodies. It’s nourishment for our souls.
Julie was great on stage and really engaged with customers, chatting throughout the event and keeping it interesting. She also was very personable with the customer’s and a dream to deal with.Kate & Co PR
Julie was delightful to work with and very enjoyable to watch. Customers loved seeing delicious food, made easy. The demonstrations were entertaining, informative and charismatic. I highly recommend Julie for any event or demonstration.Retail Marketing Manager, Altona, Vicinity Centres
Julie was warm and friendly and an absolute star who went above and beyond for us on the day, it is without doubt that without Julie our day would not have been as successful… big shout out to Julie for her time, professionalism and wonderful cooking!Antegra Estate
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