Keynote Speaker: Tony Christiansen (Friday 17th)
Tony Christiansen is a world-leading motivational and inspirational speaker. He is humourous, bold and straight talking as he brings you a story you will never forget.
The basis of Tony’s presentation is self-belief; the theme is simply "Your attitude determines your altitude in life".
Tony has no legs, a result of a horrific train accident when he was 9 years old yet has achieved remarkable feats in his life. He shares his life story and the secrets to his incredible success and encourages his audience to set their own challenges, rather than accept the limitations imposed by their own attitudes and other people's perception.
Tony has never allowed his disability to slow him down. In fact, he has achieved more in his life than most of us are willing to even try.
Amongst other things, Tony is a:
- Successful businessman;
- Former City Councillor;
- Author of 3 best-selling books;
- Qualified lifeguard honoured by the World Surf Lifesaving Federation;
- World-class athlete & medallist;
- Certified Open Water scuba diver;
- Second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do;
- Motor racing champion;
- Adept Snow-skier; and
- Pilot; the first disabled New Zealander to fly solo and the first person with a disability who learned to fly from scratch;
In 2002, Tony scaled the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s 5th highest mountain. Several years later, he participated in Speedweek at the Bonneville Salt Flats and achieved the top speed of 182 mph, gaining him the reputation of being the “World’s Fastest Amputee”. In 2012, Tony took position as driver of the 2-man bobsled and raced down the Utah Olympic Park bobsled course with the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation in an effort to apply for the sport’s inclusion in the 2022 Winter Paralympics. Tony also cycled the entire length of the Central Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand.
More recently, Tony co-founded and was appointed Chairman of Chasing What Matters Trust, a charitable organisation which offers people with any disability, access to motorsport. Team Motive was formed and known as the only all-disabled race team in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tony finds delight in every living moment and shares his passion and enthusiasm with audiences. Now in constant demand as a keynote speaker to corporations and conferences, he has spoken in various countries around the world, leaving his audiences with an insight of what can be achieved with determination, belief and a burning desire to succeed and accept the challenges in life.
In his presentations, he exudes a strong presence and speaks with clarity and purpose, and eliminates redundant words. Tony starts by climbing a 1.5-metre high scaffolding, a stunning start to the roller coaster of emotions which he takes audiences through.
Tony has written 3 best-selling books and has available for sale with his presentations “Race You To The Top” and “Attitude Plus!”. He is happy to stay after his presentation to autograph them.
You will laugh, you will cry and you will never forget…
www.tonychristiansen.com