Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE
Founder of M.A.D., Australian of the Year (UK) and Australian Woman of the Year (UK), London Bomb Survivor, Peace Advocate, Inspiring Speaker
Gill Hicks is a life-affirming speaker whose extraordinary story inspires audiences worldwide. Severely injured and having lost both legs in the 2005 London terrorist bombings, she vowed to Do More Than Survive, dedicating her life to helping others embrace change, resilience, and possibility.
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Gill Hicks is a globally recognised keynote speaker on intention, human potential, and purposeful change. An award-winning artist, published author, and creative director, internationally recognised for her compelling keynotes on intention, human potential, and purposeful change. With a rare ability to combine lived experience, creativity, and strategic insight, Gill delivers powerful, thought-provoking presentations that resonate with global audiences across corporate, academic, and cultural sectors.
Following the 2005 London terrorist bombings, in which she lost both legs, Gill made a defining choice: not simply to survive, but to live with intention. This decision became the foundation of her life’s work, shaping a distinctive approach to navigating uncertainty—remaining grounded, responsive, and agile within fragility, and transforming disruption into clarity and purposeful action.
As founder and creative director of The M.A.D. Creative Agency, Gill brings more than three decades of lived and professional experience to a pioneering approach to change. Her work focuses on probing the “why” to design the “how,” enabling organisations and leaders to move beyond surface solutions and create meaningful, human-centred outcomes. By blending design thinking, artistic practice, and systems insight, Gill equips audiences with practical frameworks they can apply immediately.
Gill’s contributions to the arts, education, and social change have been recognised and honoured by institutions, communities, and universities across both the United Kingdom and Australia. She has been awarded both an MBE and an AM for her services to international leadership.
Extending her influence beyond the stage, Gill hosts the podcast M.A.D. For Life, where she explores the extraordinary capabilities of the human body and mind through her original Seven Pillars of Alignment – from mind health to purpose and legacy. Gill’s keynotes leave audiences inspired, challenged, and equipped to engage with change intentionally and meaningfully.
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Topics
The Fragile Project
Exploring Agility Within a Fragile Experience
Unlocking Empathy, Innovation, and Transformation in the Workplace
In this thought-provoking keynote, we’ll explore how accepting our shared fragility can become a wellspring of empathy and understanding. Learn why acknowledging our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities is the first step towards meaningful change and innovation in the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
- Techniques for cultivating a culture of openness and shared vulnerability
- How to use acceptance as a springboard for creativity, problem-solving, and compassion
- Strategies for leaders to model acceptance and inspire their teams to embrace fragility
Accept, Adjust, Adopt
The Triple Effect
Transform How You Navigate Change
Discover how the AAA methodology can revolutionise your organisation’s approach to change by harnessing the power of shared vulnerability. This keynote will introduce you to a powerful framework that turns perceived weaknesses into sources of strength. Attendees will learn how to foster a culture of empathy, interconnectedness, and continuous growth, enabling your organisation to thrive amidst uncertainty and constant change.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the interconnected nature of Accept, Adjust, and Adapt in relation to our shared fragility
- Strategies for implementing AAA across all levels of your organisation to create a more compassionate workplace
- Tools for measuring and nurturing organisational empathy and interconnectedness
Creating the New
The Power of Understanding Adaptability
This keynote explores the power of adaptation through the lens of interconnectedness. Learn how to create an environment where continuous learning, evolution, and empathy are not just encouraged but embedded in your organisational DNA. We’ll discuss how to turn adaptation into a catalyst for creating a more compassionate world, starting with your workplace.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and empathy
- How to leverage adaptation for long-term sustainability and growth while nurturing compassion
- Tools for measuring and accelerating your organisation’s capacity for empathy and positive change
