Alex McKinnon

Alex McKinnon is an inspiring speaker, advocate for change management, and a passionate leader who is redefining what it means to overcome adversity. A former professional rugby player with the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, Alex’s promising career was tragically cut short at the age of 22 when he suffered a spinal cord injury from a lifting tackle during a match in Melbourne. Despite being classified as a quadriplegic and facing life-changing challenges, Alex made a commitment to embrace his new reality with resilience and determination.

Born and raised in Aberdeen, New South Wales, Alex left his hometown at the age of 14 to pursue his dream of professional rugby, eventually captaining the Australian Junior Kangaroos in 2012. Over the course of his career, he represented New South Wales and Australia at various junior levels, earning a reputation for his leadership and dedication.

Following his injury in 2014, Alex endured a long and challenging recovery process, spending months in intensive care and rehabilitation. Confronted with the physical limitations of being unable to walk or use his hands, he faced an uphill battle but refused to fall into the trap of the “why me?” mentality. Instead, Alex focused on reinvention and the opportunity to build a meaningful life beyond rugby.

Today, Alex is committed to helping others achieve their best, both personally and professionally. Through his journey, he has developed a deep understanding of resilience, goal setting, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of a positive mindset. Whether through his public speaking engagements, leadership coaching, or change management initiatives, Alex continues to challenge himself and inspire others to push beyond their limits and create lasting change.